While the national media continues to push the Andy Dalton narrative, Chicago Bears fans have had their eyes over in Las Vegas. They like many are curious what is happening between the Raiders and Derek Carr. Despite playing one of his best seasons in 2019, there is a growing belief that head coach Jon Gruden wants to move on with a different QB. Rumors persist the team has shopped him extensively and wish to get a deal done before the start of free agency.
Chicago has been connected by multiple sources to this situation. No doubt Carr would represent an upgrade over Mitch Trubisky. A three-time Pro Bowler who has topped 4,000 yards passing each of the past two seasons. That said, it feels like a number of things have to go right in order for the Bears to secure him. This includes GM Ryan Pace accepting the reality that Trubisky might not be the guy he'd hoped.
The truth is, it isn't an entirely complex issue. For Chicago to get it done, three steps are required.
Derek Carr to the Bears needs two key events to happen
Step #1 - Tom Brady signs with the Titans
The biggest domino that needs to fall in order for this to happen is for Brady to leave New England. He doesn't necessarily have to go to Vegas either. While nobody knows for sure what will happen, the growing belief is the 42-year old is going to leave. If that should happen, then the popular destination is the Tennessee Titans. They have deep Patriot connections at both head coach and GM. They were just in the AFC championship and have a strong roster in place.
With Brady in the fold, they could bring back Derrick Henry to shoulder the load on the ground and that team would be stacked for a run. At the same time, the next domino would be falling elsewhere.
Step #2 - Ryan Tannehill signs with the Raiders
If Brady goes to Tennessee, it means that Comeback Player of the Year Ryan Tannehill will be a free agent. He'll have his fair share of suitors but there is a strong undercurrent that Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is a big admirer of his. It's been this way dating back to when the QB first arrived in the NFL back in 2012. His mixture of a big arm and good mobility is a nice fit for the type of offense that Gruden runs as well.
Tannehill will rightfully seek to sign with a team that will make him a starter. Should Las Vegas do that, then it pretty much guarantees that Carr's time with the team has come to an end. Thus the door will have swung wide open for a team to make overtures about a trade.
Step #3 - Offer #50 overall and a future 4th round pick
General belief in the Raiders community is if the team decides to move Carr, the likely price range is a 2nd round pick. The Bears have two of them in 2020 in the #43 and #50 picks. Pace would be smart to offer the lesser one. Then if the Raiders play hardball, throw in the 4th round pick in 2021 to sweeten the pot. That should be enough to convince the Raiders to move him. It's possible another team might outbid that, but given how rich the market is with veteran QBs this year, that feels unlikely.
Then with #43, the Bears could likely move down in the draft to secure some extra picks. Maybe even a future 4th rounder to overcome the loss of the one they give up in this deal. Keep in mind the Kansas City Chiefs got Alex Smith for two 2nd rounders back in 2013. So this would actually be a bigger bargain for Chicago.
There is no question a number of things have to go right, but compared to a month ago it feels much more possible.
