With Bears QB Justin Fields improving, GM adds weapon in WR Chase Claypool

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles' first two moves ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline marked the end of his roster teardown. Out went two veteran defenders who did not fit into the Bears' long-term plans -- defensive end Robert Quinn and linebacker Roquan Smith -- in came draft capital to help Chicago build around quarterback Justin Fields.

The Bears gave themselves a head start Tuesday when they acquired wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick. The steep price of sending their own second-round pick, which could be a top-40 selection, versus the second-rounder they received from Baltimore in the Smith trade…