The Chicago Bears aren't on the quarterback market just yet. However, it does feel like they're getting closer. Mitch Trubisky, their prized top draft pick who had such an encouraging 2018, delivered his worst performance last Sunday against New Orleans. One that didn't seem him crack the 100 yards passing mark until deep into the second half. Never had he looked more confused and inept in his young career. This convinced a lot of people it's time to move on before it's too late. Now Cam Newton is among the names involved.
Much will probably be determined by what happens this coming Sunday at Soldier Field. The Los Angeles Chargers are paying a visit. This is a 2-5 team that the Bears know they should be able to beat. If they don't and Trubisky is a big reason? That could really start the ball rolling towards GM Ryan Pace reaching the conclusion that he may have to take a somewhat desperate measure to trade for a quarterback from the outside.
Newton is one of the hottest names. Why? Largely because his backup, Kyle Allen, has performed very well in his absence. Carolina is undefeated with him under center as the starter and he's yet to throw an interception this season. The offense seems to flow well with him. This has led to rampant speculation that the Panthers could decide to move on from Newton.
Joy Taylor of The Herd is among those who believe the Bears need to be the team that goes after him.
Bears' odds of actually getting Cam Newton are low
Longtime ESPN analyst Max Kellerman believes that it is possible Carolina moves on from Newton. While some fear injuries have likely taken the best from the former MVP, he believes that isn't the case. Given enough time to heal, he believes the quarterback is capable of having a Kurt Warner-like resurgence with a new team elsewhere.
There are a number of obstacles though. For one, Newton's contract would be expensive, demanding the team he goes to give up over $23 million in cap space this year and $21 million in 2020. The Bears currently don't have enough to handle that for either year and would have to do some significant restructuring of their books.
Then there's the bigger question. If the Panthers are even interested in dealing Newton, why would they do it now? It makes little sense. What if Allen gets hurt? Then the team would be screwed. Joseph Person of The Athletic believes if any move does happen, it would wait until the offseason.
"I’m expecting to see Newton back on the field for the Panthers at some point in the coming weeks, though I think his long-term future in Carolina is still in doubt.
If the Panthers decide during the offseason to move on from Newton, they could try to trade him then. Doing so now makes zero sense."
It's simple enough. If Newton is available, he'd be expensive. Not only that, but he likely won't be truly available until the season is over. So any discussion of a deadline move for the Bears is largely pointless.
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