Bears GM explains how Justin Fields affects latest move
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields played a significant role in how the team’s general manager Ryan Poles approached Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. Fields’ development remains the focal point within the organization. In his last two games, Fields appears to have turned a corner as the Bears’ signal caller. With the franchise gaining trust in its […]
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields played a significant role in how the team’s general manager Ryan Poles approached Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
Fields’ development remains the focal point within the organization. In his last two games, Fields appears to have turned a corner as the Bears’ signal caller.
With the franchise gaining trust in its second-year quarterback, Poles opted to trade a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft for Pittsburgh Steelers WR Chase Claypool.
Claypool is playing in his third season in the NFL, joining Chicago after back-to-back seasons with over 800 receiving yards. His six-foot-four frame gives Fields an athletic target with a wide catch radius to make plays down the field.
“I like the way Justin is trending,” Poles said in Tuesday’s media availability. “And I think adding another big body who’s physical, explosive, great leaping ability, can stretch the field but also is violent with the ball in his hands — as well as a blocker. I think that enhances everyone around him.”
Credit Poles for building on Fields’ forward momentum and adding a viable weapon that could prove to be pivotal in his growth as a player.
“I know a lot of the guys are starting to make plays for us,” Poles noted. “Adding another receiver is going to allow him to continue to grow and gain that confidence.”
Claypool Fits Right In
Not only does Claypool help fill a dire team need, but this move contributes to the Bears’ mission to build an explosive offense.
“I really like the way that our offense is starting to come together and move,” Poles stated. “I thought it was important to add another impact player to our offense to go along with the guys that we currently have in the receiver room right now.”
Investing in the talent around a young quarterback like Fields can make all of the difference. Confidence is critical for quarterbacks early on in their development and, with the team going out and adding a weapon, it should show Fields that this front office is 100 percent committed to his progression.
Featured image via Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports
