Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears' finale aired Tuesday on HBO. Replays are available to stream on Max.
Finding a franchise quarterback is likely the most crucial task for a general manager to take on.
For Bears GM Ryan Poles, he's hoping his search has ended.
2024 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams has ushered in a new era of football in Chicago. For other teams, however, the quarterback position isn't as stable.
In the Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears finale, Poles is seen having a brief get-together with Giants general manager Joe Schoen during warm-ups prior to Saturday’s Clemson versus Georgia matchup.
Poles' relief in having addressed his franchise quarterback situation is apparent, while Schoen's comments might well reveal some continued consternation with his.
"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. Moore and 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.