The Bears are one of several teams that will be in the market for a veteran quarterback this offseason. It’s safe to say at this point that every viable option in free agency or via trade has been linked to the Bears by some varying degree.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has been laying out different scenarios about where some big-name free agents could wind up — and how it will impact other teams this offseason.
Although Barnwell’s latest projection involving the Bears quarterback position isn’t as crazy as Tom Brady landing in Chicago.
Barnwell projects a scenario where Jameis Winston signs a one-year, $9 million contract with the Bears, which would be just enough time to see if Trubisky can turn things around or if Winston needs to step in should Trubisky continue to struggle.
While the Bears are publicly committed to Mitchell Trubisky, they need to bring in a quarterback who can compete for the starting job. Winston’s market is totally uncertain; there might not be any team that thinks he’s worth starter money, and if not, he might need to settle for a one-year deal and a competition. Trubisky’s backup Chase Daniel can return to Kansas City to sit behind Patrick Mahomes.
Now, Barnwell’s scenario is predicated on if the Buccaneers lock up Philip Rivers to a three-year $90 million deal.
Winston has been known for his inconsistent play, but he’s had his moments. Look no further than his 30 touchdown/30 interception performance in 2019.
But Winston’s upside is definitely appealing. The Bears could sign him to a low-risk contract, where he could battle Trubisky for the starting job, and be better off than they were in 2019.
