The Chicago Bears‘ thrilling comeback over Tennessee on Sunday lined up perfectly with GM Ryan Poles’ vision for them. Above all else, he wanted to build a resilient team that didn’t quit when things got tough. Despite falling behind 17-0, they rallied to win 24-17. Plenty of players contributed to the effort. D.J. Moore led the team in receiving. Darnell Wright didn’t allow a single pressure on the quarterback. Tyrique Stevenson delivered the kill shot with his pick-six. People may notice a common connection between those three names.
All were acquired by Poles in the blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers last year.
Many are starting to call that deal one of the worst in NFL history. While the Panthers got Bryce Young, who hasn’t had the best start to his career, the Bears got a star wide receiver and four high draft choices. Three of the picks have led to Wright, Stevenson, and Caleb Williams. They still have another 2nd rounder waiting in 2025. They could build a statue of Poles just for that robbery. As it turns out, his motivation in that trade may go beyond doing what’s best for the Bears.
Revenge might’ve been on his mind, too.
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Ryan Poles is a competitor.
People should not undersell that. Getting passed over by Carolina for Scott Fitterer in 2021 undoubtedly stung. After all, Poles had just helped Kansas City reach back-to-back Super Bowls and win one of them. He’d bided his time for a decade waiting for this shot. Anybody with an ego would’ve taken that moment a little bit personally. So when the Panthers came to him about the availability of the #1 pick, Poles must’ve smelled an opportunity. He knew they were desperate for a quarterback and had an owner known for meddling. If he played things right, he could get a king’s ransom.
That is exactly what happened. Carolina must be having major regrets about that deal. Their roster is in terrible shape. Those picks they gave up could’ve helped with retooling things. Don’t forget they had Baker Mayfield on their roster at one point but chose to cut him before the end of 2022. Now he’s a Pro Bowler with Tampa Bay, a division rival. Ryan Poles has to be laughing maniacally to himself when no one else is around at how things shook out.
