Former GM Says Bears Are Ramping Up Pursuit of Nick Foles

Barely an hour after it was reported the Chicago Bears were talking with Teddy Bridgewater, it appears things have shifted. Reports out of multiple places suggest the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are fast becoming a favorite to land the free agent QB unless they somehow secure Tom Brady. This likely has forced GM Ryan Pace to shift directions.

According to former GM Michael Lombardi, he says that sources tell him the Bears have begun to talk with the Jacksonville Jaguars about a potential trade for veteran quarterback Nick Foles. He's a name that's been connected to the team for weeks. Jacksonville is eager to get out from under the massive contract they gave him last year. Chicago might be able to work out a deal that takes it off their hands in exchange for draft compensation.

Nick Foles is competition, not a replacement for Trubisky

Obviously this entire situation is fluid. The basic idea of Foles is simple. He has deep connections to the Bears coaching staff. Matt Nagy worked with him in 2016. Bill Lazor did the same in 2013. John DeFilippo won the Super Bowl with him back in 2017 and was his offensive coordinator again in 2019. So there is a great familiarity with what he can do in this offense. The big sticking point is that massive contract.

Foles is slated to count over $21 million against the salary cap next season. The Bears don't have a lot of wiggle room to deal with that. The only way this works is if the Jaguars offer a pick in return or if they're willing to eat a sizable chunk of the salary to bring the money down. There is no question this situation is crazy. If nothing else, it proves the Bears are committed to getting somebody who can either push or replace Trubisky.