Ryan Poles’ first six months as the Bears’ general manager have been marked by a down-to-the-studs roster clean-out that will give him what he arguably needs most — a fresh start.
Poles traded linebacker Khalil Mack, cut nose tackle Eddie Goldman and had little to no interest in free agents who could have been productive in 2022 — guard James Daniels, wide receiver Allen Robinson, defensive end Akiem Hicks and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols among them.
Poles still has a foundation of players he inherited from Ryan Pace, with linebacker Roquan Smith topping that list. But most of them are young players more likely to blossom in more effective offensive and defensive schemes — quarterback Justin Fields, tight end Cole Kmet, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and running back David Montgomery on offense; cornerback Jaylon Johnson, defensive end Trevis Gipson and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga on defense.