‘Hard Knocks’: Bears GM Ryan Poles happy, hopeful not to be worried about QB position ‘for a long time’

“Gotta be nice,” Schoen began, “not to be looking at the, uh …”

“Quarterbacks?” Poles said, finishing Schoen’s sentence.

Both general managers chuckled.

“Hopefully it stays that way for a long time,” Poles said.

In his own Hard Knocks spotlight earlier this year, Schoen discussed the Giants’ approach to drafting with the No. 6 overall pick, including possibly trading up to select a quarterback. The Giants instead stayed put and chose LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, leaving Daniel Jones in a potential make-or-break situation this season.

The Bears remained in a similarly shaky QB situation with Justin Fields when Poles pulled off a massive trade with the Panthers in 2023, trading away that year’s top overall pick, which Carolina used to draft Bryce Young. However, the investment resulted in Poles selecting Williams as the hopeful future of the Bears franchise this year, as Chicago acquired receiver D.J. Mooreand a cache of draft picks, one turning into the 2024 No. 1 overall selection.

So far, Poles’ decision has paid off with plenty of positive buzz garnered by Williams and the Bears this offseason.

All that buzz and optimism turns to reality when Williams and Co. kick off versus the Titans on Sunday, a moment Poles is hoping will be the beginning of a “long time” without having to be looking for a quarterback to lead the franchise.