March 9th is approaching fast. With it comes the start of the 2017 league year in the NFL. That means unrestricted free agency begins, as does the window during which trades can be announced. It will be the first opportunity for the Chicago Bears to let their fans in on what they may or may not have planned at the quarterback position. By far the biggest question mark of this critical offseason.
Of course the primary rumors have centered around Jimmy Garoppolo. The Illinois native is viewed by many as the best young quarterback available in any of the three major markets. No doubt the New England Patriots are hoping to turn that into a blockbuster trade package. Some are concerned GM Ryan Pace may actually pay it, reverting back to the same "mistake" that led to the Jay Cutler era.
Of course getting Garoppolo would be fascinating, but he's not the only name who is quietly being tied to Chicago. There is another former Eastern Illinois grad expected to be available too. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah is getting the sense his move north is inevitable.
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Really? Tony Romo? No doubt the name conjures up mixed emotions from Bears fans. On the one hand he's a notorious heartbreaker of a QB, losing some big games in brutal fashion and now also dealing with injury issues at age 36. On the other he's a four-time Pro Bowler who has shown consistently over the past few years that he can put up impressive numbers when healthy.
Just how realistic is this?
SLEEPING BEARS
Some will try to dismiss the Romo idea outright given his age. He's even older than Cutler. Isn't that a step in the wrong direction? Aren't they trying to get younger at the position? Sure, but one must not forget the reality of the situation. Head coach John Fox is 9-23 in his first two seasons running this team. He can't afford another down year. Not without at least some signs of progress. There is very little chance the Bears will win much with a rookie QB. Signing a guy like Romo gives them somebody capable of winning right away. They could easily still use one of their top picks in the draft at the position and let him sit behind Romo for a year or two. Think of it as a way of having their cake and eating it too. While others have stayed away from the Tony Romo Bears rumor, Jeremiah colleague Elliot Harrison of NFL.com buys the idea in theory. He views Chicago as the biggest sleeper threat to sign the veteran, outside of Houston and Denver."The Bears make so much sense, at least from their perspective. The offensive line gave up only 28 sacks last year, while rookie RB Jordan Howard averaged 5.2 yards per carry. The line can protect Romo. If Alshon Jeffery were to re-sign, Romo would be working with a certified WR1, a WR2 with potential (Cameron Meredith) and a solid tight end (Zach Miller). The defense would have been much better last year if the offense hadn't stunk up the joint. Then there's the fact Romo played his college ball at Eastern Illinois. ...Then there's the perception that Chicago is not ready to contend now. Maybe, but with a top-three pick -- and some talented young pieces in place -- the Bears aren't as far off as some make them out to be. #sleeperteam"This is one of those rare cases where the record doesn't reflect who the team really is. The Bears were 3-13 last season, but they were in most of their ball games. This despite a ridiculous run of injuries to key players. No fewer than 21 guys finished the year on Injured Reserve. That includes two of their quarterbacks in Cutler and Brian Hoyer. One must also not forget the Dallas Cowboys just went from 4-12 to 13-3 this past year. Romo has seen it done. If his old team could do it, why can't the Bears?
CALCULATED RISK
It really doesn't matter which direction the Bears go at quarterback. Risk will be attached to any move they make. Rookies are as unproven as it gets. Garoppolo had six qualities quarters of starting football, but under the watchful gaze of Bill Belichick. Romo brings his own risks with the age and durability questions. Yet one thing remains true. He's been there and done it in the NFL. He knows how to attack top defenses and win football games. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tony-Romo-Leads-TD-Drive-on-His-1st-Game-of-the-Season-NFL-Week-17-Highlights.mp4"][/video] Romo has done a lot in his career. He holds almost every major Cowboys passing record. An impressive feat considering he followed guys like Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. Including the playoffs he's thrown for 35,499 yards, 256 touchdowns and 119 touchdowns. He's also led 26 career comebacks in the fourth quarter. The guy is a gamer despite whatever his reputation may be. Ready for another little nugget? In his entire time as a starter for the Cowboys from 2006 to 2015, he had a top 10 defense in points allowed just one time. That was in 2009, the year Romo helped Dallas win its first playoff game in 13 years. Otherwise most of the time he's had to be the one to carry that organization to the bulk of its wins.By rights the guy should be getting some Hall of Fame love but because he hasn't won a ring yet, that's likely not going to happen. Perhaps the only way for him to finally get some respect is going to another NFL team and winning with them too. Chicago has plenty of money to offer a nice contract. Better still they're an NFC team. So their odds are more likely to see Dallas at some point in the playoffs. Word a few weeks ago said Romo wanted to join a team that had a chance to play the Cowboys. No doubt he's anxious to show his soon-to-be former team that he has something left in the tank. The Bears would be delighted to assist in that quest next January.
