While everyone in the NFL is busy bringing new names to their teams, the Chicago Bears just extended the guy whose work is to bring these names. General manager Ryan Poles got a 5-year contract extension. This begs some questions: was it the right move? Did he earn it? Let’s look at it.
Of course, it’s impossible to hit a home run on every single move, which means Poles has mixed results, but we are diving deeper than the moves. Yes, those are important but will they help the Bears?
First and foremost, he has established the franchise. What do you need to do so? Get yourself a head coach and a quarterback. After arriving in January 2022, Poles struggled finding that. However, after drafting Caleb Williams and signing the very-coveted Ben Johnson, the Bears might just have what it takes to face the future.
Caleb and Johnson must deliver
If the new QB-HC duo delivers, Poles’ extension is pretty much justified. However, it will also prove that the Bears needed some new identity. Historically, the Bears are known for two things: big defense and subpar quarterbacks. Now, they are trying to evolve into an offense-first team, something really contrary to the franchise history.
Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field after losing to the Minnesota Vikings 30-12 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Of course, Poles also drafted and acquired via trade the two weapons that Williams will have to rely on. He drafted Rome Odunze and traded for D.J. Moore. Williams not only has the head coach, but the wideouts. However, that’s not all. This year, he drafted tight end Colston Loveland in the first round, to further cement Chicago’s weapons.
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Other interesting moves by Poles
Poles knows football is won in the trenches. Hence, he reinforced the offensive line to protect Caleb Williams, something that was missing last year. He brought elite talent in Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson. He also drafted left tackle Ozzy Trapilo in the second round.
It’s also great to highlight that Poles traded the no.1 pick in 2023 to the Carolina Panthers for a bunch of picks and the aforementioned D.J. Moore. That let them take Caleb Williams in the draft and bring other names like Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson and many more.
Not everything has been great, though. Since his arrival, the Bears are 15-36. However, with this new contract, which matches in length the one of Ben Johnson, he will have five years to ammend that record and turn the Bears into a Super Bowl contender.
