Normally when you hear regular media guys connect various players to teams, it doesn't mean much. That can change though when guys who have actually worked in NFL buildings start saying the same things. The Chicago Bears are known to be in the market for a quarterback of some kind. Mitch Trubisky opened the door for competition this coming season after his ugly 2019 performance. The first real signs that he may have peaked as a performer two years ago. So how does Teddy Bridgewater factor in?
One key part of the Bears' philosophy shift is the market itself. Most agree this might be the richest crop of available veteran quarterbacks maybe ever. The list includes two surefire Hall of Famers and multiple current or former Pro Bowlers. Bridgewater included. He was an ascending talent in 2016 before a horrific knee injury. It took two years for him to get healthy. He became a backup in New Orleans, replaced Drew Brees midway through last year, went 5-0 and is now going back on the market.
Some believe his style of accurate passing, field vision, and protecting the football is perfect for the Bears. Former scout and NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks is one of them.
"General manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy have given young quarterback Mitch Trubisky multiple votes of confidence, but the Bears would be wise to follow the Titans' lead and bring in a veteran with starting experience to add some competition to the QB room. While Trubisky might win the initial training camp battle, Bridgewater could get the nod in the middle of the season and parlay a successful stint into a bigger payday in the Windy City or elsewhere."
Brooks wasn't alone. Former GM Charley Casserly said the same.
Teddy Bridgewater makes sense...at the right price
It's not so much that the Bears wouldn't want a guy like Bridgewater. He does make sense in so many ways. Still young. Has experience. Clearly a tireless worker with remarkable self-confidence. While not possessing a cannon, he throws the ball well and sees the field. These traits would mesh in Matt Nagy's style of offense. The problem has nothing to do with fit.
It's all about price.
Several experts have said that the market for Bridgewater could end up being strong next month. This could easily drive his price tag up somewhere close to $30 million per season. The Bears are in no position to pay that kind of money. Even after cutting Prince Amukamara and Taylor Gabriel, they're projected to have roughly $26 million. So they'd have to do a ton of extra massaging to the cap to even make something like this possible.
Either that or they'd have to hope Bridgewater's market proves a bit cooler than expected, allowing them to secure his services at a more team-friendly number. Something to keep in mind as March 18th draws closer.
