Photo: Philip G. Pavely/USA TODAY Sports

An Amicable Breakup: Ex-Bears QB Justin Fields Praises General Manager Ryan Poles

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Nick DeMao | Last updated 5/22/24

If only every breakup could be as amicable as the one between Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears, perhaps the world would be a better place.

Gone but not forgotten, Fields continues to be a topic of conversation among the Bears' fan base despite the groundswell of excitement for first-overall pick Caleb Williams.

Fields, who spent his first three seasons with the Bears after being selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, was traded this offseason to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 sixth-round pick that could become a fourth-round pick depending on the quarterback's snaps this upcoming season.

The draft capital the Bears received in exchange for Fields was a divisive topic heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. After pundits like Mel Kiper predicted the Bears could get as high as a first-round pick, it seemed like a disappointment to not only get a sixth-round pick but also one in next year's draft.

Perhaps, though, Ryan Poles was looking out for a quarterback he felt never received a fair shake in the Windy City. Following the Steelers' first OTA practice, Fields commended the Bears' general manager for having the former Chicago signal caller's best interest in mind.

Ryan Poles said he wanted to "do right" by Justin Fields.

Fields, today: "Shoutout to Poles, we communicated to him through my agent, and I told him where I wanted to be and this was a place I wanted to be, so he honored that and I appreciate him for that and glad he was able…
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) May 21, 2024

It's a good look for a franchise that has preached a renewed dedication toward its players as people over property. The Bears have been at the forefront of prioritizing mental health for the organization, and by doing a solid for a fan favorite, Poles will continue to gain favor within both the locker room and the fan base.

As for Fields, he looks poised to battle the recently acquired Russell Wilson for the starting gig in Pittsburgh. Fields, who threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while rushing for 657 yards and an additional four touchdowns in 2023, is hoping to start anew with a franchise renowned for its consistency.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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