Are there any two topics as controversial as the Chicago Bears and quarterbacks? For a franchise rich with 100 years of history, quarterback has seemingly been the one position the Bears haven’t found sustained success with.
That trend has continued with former No. 2 overall pick Mitchell Trubisky, whose future is murkier than ever following regression in his third season. While the Bears have stood firm behind the belief that Trubisky will be the starter heading into the 2020 season, there’s a lot of time between now and the start of the season.
Considering Trubisky is currently the only quarterback under contract for Chicago, the Bears need to bring in some fresh faces to the QB room. Perhaps one of them will get a chance to start in place of Trubisky, or maybe not.
Here are six options for the Bears at quarterback heading into 2020:
1. Mitchell Trubisky
It’s not a question whether Mitchell Trubisky will enter the 2020 season as the Bears starting quarterback so much as it’s a question of if he’ll remain the starter through the entire season. The most likely option for the Bears at quarterback, like it or not, is Trubisky, who has one year left on his rookie deal.
Trubisky’s struggles were well-known through the league, but the Bears have acknowledged that the offense’s regression wasn’t all on Trubisky. A struggling offensive line and lack of a run game or tight ends were also issues that plagued the Bears. But Trubisky has to be better if he wants to keep his job. Chicago isn’t going to have blind-faith with Trubisky through the 2020 season. They’re going to bring in an experienced veteran that can replace Trubisky should his regression continue.
2. Andy Dalton
Everyone and their mother are aware that the Bears want to bring in an experienced veteran quarterback to challenge Trubisky. That, and to provide insurance should Trubisky continue to regress. Chicago can’t afford another season where they’re wasting their championship-caliber defense.
The Bears have reportedly been in contact with the Bengals about Andy Dalton, who is on the trading block with Cincinnati expected to draft Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick. Dalton isn’t necessarily a better option than Trubisky, but he would fill that Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee role — before Tannehill replaced a struggling Marcus Mariota. The only knocks against Dalton would be his price tag ($17.7 million) and the assets Ryan Pace would have to give up for Dalton’s services.
3. Derek Carr
The Bears might be interested in Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, but he might not necessarily be on the trading block. Although, that all depends on the free agent frenzy that’s set to mix things up for quarterbacks across the NFL. If the Raiders want and get Tom Brady, Carr would be up for grabs.
Considering the Bears and Raiders have a recent history of trading — as Chicago famously landed Khalil Mack just two seasons ago — you’d figure Jon Gruden would listen to what the Bears would have to offer. If Carr were to come to Chicago, it would be the opposite of the Andy Dalton situation. Carr would no doubt be brought in to, at the very least, compete for the starting job with Mitchell Trubisky. That, or he’ll be brought in to start.
4. Case Keenum
If the Bears don’t land Andy Dalton, expect Chicago to target another experienced veteran quarterback in Washington’s Case Keenum. Keenum has certainly made his way around the NFL over these last few seasons — with stops in Washington, Denver, and Los Angeles — and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in Chicago.
Keenum provides just enough competition and mentoring for someone like Mitchell Trubisky without threatening him for the starting job. But like with Dalton, Keenum would provide insurance for the Bears should Trubisky’s struggles continue. Only, Keenum would come at a much cheaper price than Dalton — both financially and asset-wise with draft picks.
5. Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston’s future with the Buccaneers remains in flux as we near the start of free agency. Like several teams, Tampa Bay has been linked to Tom Brady and its potent young offense. Ultimately, if Brady were to land with the Bucs, Winston’s future in Tampa would effectively come to an end.
It’s believed that should Winston leave Tampa that he wouldn’t become an immediate Day 1 starter with his new team. So given the Bears want to give Mitchell Trubisky one more chance to prove that there’s something worth salvaging, bringing in a talent like Winston with a slew of upside but someone that won’t be handed the starting job over Trubisky could work in Chicago’s favor. Again, if Trubisky struggles, the Bears could turn to Winston without a concern.
6. QB from the NFL Draft
While it’s unlikely that the Bears hit the reset button immediately this season, there’s certainly a possibility that Chicago could draft a young quarterback prospect to develop for the future. Considering there are several needs Ryan Pace needs to address this offseason, the Bears aren’t expected to draft a quarterback with one of their two second-round picks. But we’ve seen how Pace lets his actions speak louder than his words.
Depending on how high the Bears are on certain prospects, like Jalen Hurts or Jake Fromm, that would dictate exactly when they’d use a draft pick to take a quarterback. If not, they could select a developmental prospect like James Morgan on Day 3.
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