This is where most media are screwing with the narrative. There is a huge difference in trading the number one pick vs trading your, current, starting quarterback. Poles has stated, more than once, that he would have to be blown away by a QB prospect to consider replacing Fields. At what point does a GM get blown away? Film? Doubtful. Personal interview? Possible. Private workout? Ding ding ding! This is a career decision for Poles, because billionaires don't care for negative mistakes. My opinion is that he waits until the personal workout. Y'all remember when he exhausted Darnell Wright last year, leading Wright to tell Poles, "I'll never quit on you". If he does that at 9, that should be the minimum for number 1. So, end of month is probably when he decides on what he wants do at QB. My guess is that he's told Fields to listen to nobody but either him or Flus until then.
Regarding Fields: many people have said we can't keep him on the roster due to the QB conflict on the locker room. It's a big boy game and a big boy business. They all know how it goes. If Poles approaches Justin and says, "nobody wanted to give up much for you in trade. So, we are keeping you and drafting a QB at 1. You will enter camp at number 1 and you will have the opportunity to win the job and show what you are made of". If he balls out, he could make a case for us to keep him and trade the the rookie. That's the wildest part of the scenario, with the Fields getting a big trade partner as more likely. Win win Bears. If Justin competes and fails, we have shown him the ultimate respect, by allowing him to fall on his sword. At that point, Bears lose, because we get next to nothing in return for him.