The Chicago Bears were in sell mode from the moment Ryan Poles took over as GM. He traded Khalil Mack in the off-season and then followed it up with Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith at the deadline this past week. Everybody assumed Poles was piling up future assets for 2023. So when the Bears swung a deal with Pittsburgh for wide receiver Chase Claypool, people were stunned. Rebuilding teams don’t give away high draft picks for established players.
Poles felt justified in the decision. Claypool is a unique talent in his eyes. The mixture of size, speed, and yards-after-the-catch ability made him the type of weapon this offense needs more of. Justin Fields has shown considerable progress as a passer. It makes sense to seek out more weapons when they’re available. However, his reasoning goes deeper than this. The job of a GM is to always have one eye on the future. Poles had to know what was coming in free agency and the draft next year. Based on recent projections, 2023 isn’t looking like a great one for wide receivers.
By contrast, it could be an excellent one for offensive and defensive linemen. By securing Claypool now, receiver becomes less of a pressing need. That will allow Poles to focus his resources on the trenches next spring.
NFL draft top 50 ranking:
- Offensive linemen – 7
- Defensive linemen – 15
- Wide receivers – 6
Free agency top 50 ranking:
- Offensive linemen – 9
- Defensive linemen – 9
- Wide receivers – 5
Ryan Poles can now lean into the off-season’s strengths.
His team needs line help so badly. The Bears are on pace to allow 67 sacks on offense and collect 16 sacks on defense. Both are unacceptable if you want to be a winning football team. Chicago has over $100 million in salary cap space. Depending on how they finish the season, they could also end up with a top 10 draft selection. That gives them a golden opportunity to add multiple front-line starters. Justin Fields with better protection makes this new wide receiver group far more dangerous.
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There is no telling if the plan will work. What matters is the plan itself is sound and logical. Ryan Poles showed a keen understanding of how low his odds of finding a playmaking receiver next year, assessed his options, and made a bold, calculated move for Claypool. He may not be the superstar target everybody wants, but the kid makes the overall offense better. The Bears may still add more receiving help next year, but now they don’t have to force the issue.
