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Patrick Finley

Chicago Bears reporter

Patrick Finley covers the Chicago Bears for the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Bears’ failed partnership with Fields is no outlier. But the events that led to their parting are definitely unique — and something the Bears can’t afford to repeat when they draft a quarterback first overall next month.
Shortly after the Bears agreed to trade Fields to the Steelers, the quarterback issued a statement on social media saying goodbye to the city of Chicago.
The Bears are ready to go another direction three years after drafting Fields 11th overall.
Monitoring the Bears’ comings and goings in free agency, which started with the opening of the legal tampering period and extends through the start of the league year Wednesday.
He figures to be a depth piece on a Bears defensive line that is still in search of an end to rush opposite Pro Bowl edge rusher Montez Sweat.
Allen smiled Saturday morning when asked about being a friendly target for a young passer.
Even if he’s not here long, Allen allows the Bears to focus on addressing important big-picture issues.
Allen, for whom the Bears sent the Chargers a fourth-round pick Thursday night, erases the immediate need for a wide receiver to put opposite DJ Moore.