They've just crafted a long-term plan that requires patience and concrete proof before using finite capital to build up the infrastructure around Fields.įields may very well be the focal point of the next great era of Bears football. Rightfully so.Įberflus and Poles haven't hung Fields out to dry. That's the plan Poles doesn't want to compromise. They'll also have their first-round pick, something the new regime didn't have this offseason. The Bears will have around $100 million in salary-cap space next offseason. Poles and Eberflus believe that by placing Fields in Getsy's wide-zone offense, they'll be able to get a proper gauge of his potential and whether they should pour assets into building around him as the face of their franchise. If that's the case, the Bears can quickly move on with their rebuilding plan intact. There's a good chance the Harry the Bears get is the same one that floundered in New England. Harry is a good run blocker, a skill that's vital in Getsy's scheme, and can give Fields a big-body receiver to make contested catches in the middle of the field and at the boundary. The trade for Harry gets Fields a potentially high-upside receiver without sacrificing any crucial assets for the long-term rebuild. That's dependent on Fields being a franchise quarterback, something he must prove to them this fall. For that commitment to make sense, Poles and Eberflus would have to be sure the Bears can contend during the life of the contract. However, that move comes with a big financial commitment. Trading multiple first-round picks for a Metcalf, Samuel, or Brown might sound like a no-brainer. But that $10-15 million can be put to better use next season once Poles and Eberflus have a clearer picture of what they must build around. There's no doubt that trading for a star receiver or using the remaining cap money to sign a veteran offensive lineman would benefit Fields this season. The same is true of rebuilding a team from the ground up.Įberflus and Poles want to see what they have in Fields and several other potential franchise cornerstones before they build around them. You wouldn't take a job running a corporation and immediately pour assets into one area without having a complete idea of its long-term viability. That's as far as their long-term investment in Fields has gone this offseason. Julio Jones recorded five receptions on nine targets for 58 yards and a touchdown in Sundays 28-25 win over the Texans.Jones was forced to miss the Tennessee Titans Week 17 game against the.

They've hired Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator to implement a quarterback-friendly system tailored to Fields' strengths. He is expected to get a bonus of 14 million dollars as a bonus and for salary cap purposes. He signed a five-year agreement worth 71.3 million in 2015, and a second extension worth 71.3 million in 2019. Yes, the new coach and general manager have praised the young signal-caller's work ethic and growth. 2 million contract with the Falcons after being selected sixth overall in 2011.

While Fields is exceptionally talented and has star potential, it's worth noting that Poles and Eberflus didn't draft him. Almost every player this offseason has talked about the need to prove himself to the new bosses.

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