Expert Says Jameis Winston Lands in Chicago if This Happens

One thing about the NFL when it comes to free agency? Signings can have a domino effect when it comes to certain positions. One player going to a certain team can end up resulting in another player changing direction and going to a new team. It's no secret the Chicago Bears could end up hunting a quarterback in March. Somebody who can serve as a strong backup and competition for Mitch Trubisky. One name people haven't wanted to entertain that will be an option is Jameis Winston.

The former #1 overall pick had easily the craziest season for a quarterback in NFL history in 2019. He threw for 5,100 yards and 33 touchdowns, which would normally land him All-Pro honors if he hadn't also thrown a staggering 30 interceptions. It was the greatest rollercoaster ride for a QB ever witnessed. This is why his free agency status is so tough to gauge. The guy can be so productive, but his recklessness is way out of control

Nobody can see him landing a big-money deal somewhere.

This means he may have to settle for a minor one-year contract to compete for a job somewhere. Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes that the destination will be Chicago provided the heavy buzz about Philip Rivers signing in Tampa Bay proves true.

"It warms my heart to see Rivers and Bruce Arians come together for one ride into the sunset. It's a great fit for both player and scheme, as both would throw the ball vertically every play if they could...

...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."

Jameis Winston is at least interesting for Bears if cheap

The selling point here from the Bears' perspective is that they'd be getting Winston for $9 million. That is dirt cheap for a guy who has 70 NFL starts under his belt and has thrown for at least 4,000 yards in three of his five career seasons. So there would be plenty to work with. The obvious hurdle would be whether Matt Nagy and his coaching staff could somehow get Winston to resist his urges to make really bad decisions when throwing the ball. Something no coach has managed to this point.

Would it be a worthwhile gamble? Sure, if no better options exist for the Bears. They could give Winston an opportunity. Maybe he takes full advantage of it. If not though, it's no real harm to the organization. Chicago is free to wash their hands of both him and Trubisky in 2021 with a fresh start at quarterback.