Bears GM discusses Justin Fields amid trade rumors

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles wants the public to know he intends for Justin Fields to remain his starting quarterback through the offseason. 

"That's the plan, right now," Poles said at the combine on Tuesday, per Kevin Patra of the NFL's website. "Like I said, we're going to do our homework on this class and if something changes, and again, I will just use this same statement: We will have to be blown away to say, you know, I think this is best for our organization."

The Bears possess the No. 1 pick in this year's NFL Draft and could use that asset to select Fields' replacement. 

Some experts have suggested that Alabama Crimson Tide signal-caller Bryce Young is a better prospect than Fields. League insider Jason La Canfora raised eyebrows when he reported earlier this month that "more than one NFL general manager" left the Senior Bowl "fairly convinced" the Bears will trade Fields before next season. 

However, multiple draft analysts have expressed concerns over Young's size. Young may check in at under 6-foot-0 and around 200 pounds, and he will not throw at the combine. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday the Bears are "leaning toward" trading the No. 1 selection, presumably to a quarterback-needy team. Poles hinted Tuesday that such a transaction could occur before the new league year opens on March 15.

"I think when we get back with all the information that we've gathered here, I think we will have a better direction," Poles explained. 

As noted by ESPN stats, Fields finished his second pro season seventh in the entire NFL with 1,143 rushing yards and tied for 12th with eight touchdowns on the ground. He was 17th among qualified players with a 54.0 adjusted QBR and last with 149.5 passing yards per game. In 15 contests, Fields tallied 17 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. 

"Justin did some really good things -- I'm excited about where his game is going to go," Poles added about his QB1. "But at the same time when you sit at our situation at one overall, you have to do your due diligence."

Poles insisted he "will be in communication with Justin along the way" regarding the club's plans for the draft and the quarterback position.