The 2020 free agent class of quarterbacks is likely the most unique seen in the NFL in easily a decade. Perhaps longer. It's a class loaded with big names including three future Hall of Famers, a Pro Bowler, and a few other notable starters who've played really well in the past but haven't lately. This creates an interesting situation for the Chicago Bears.
Everybody knows where things stand. Mitch Trubisky regressed a lot this past year, throwing just 17 touchdowns after throwing 24 in 2018. His threat as a runner disappeared for the most part and he just didn't seem able to handle what defenses were throwing at him. This has led to many an expert to declare him a bust and for the Bears to look for an escape hatch.
Hence the heavy focus on this free agent group. Could one of those big names actually come to Chicago? Here is a breakdown of predictions for every notable name, where they end up and why.
How QB landscape will probably go for the Chicago Bears
Dak Prescott - Stays with Dallas Cowboys
This is an easy one. Word has already filtered out that the Cowboys plan to use the franchise tag on Prescott since negotiations haven't gone too quickly to this point. He's not going anywhere.
Drew Brees - Stays with New Orleans Saints
It's basically retirement or returning for one more year at this point for Brees. After the disappointment of this season, going 13-3 only to get stunned in the wild card opener, one would understand if he walked away. However, Brees is a competitor and the Saints are a good team. He'll take one more crack at it.
Tom Brady - Stays with New England Patriots
This entire situation feels like it's setting up for anticlimax. People are wondering what Brady will do as a free agent for the first time in his career. Truth be told he might leave, but the Patriots want him to stay and that's what will probably end up happening.
Philip Rivers - Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It's pretty clear the Chargers and Rivers are done with each other. Rivers though wants to keep playing. Rumors have swirled that the Buccaneers are interested. Adding to this is the fact that the quarterback just moved his family to Florida. Given his reputation for preferring short commutes, this is an easy dot to connect.
Teddy Bridgewater - Signs with Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers aren't in a position to rebuild. They have a good roster that is ready to win, so it makes more sense for them to pursue a veteran option. Bridgewater is still young and fresh off a valuable education in New Orleans. He's ready to start in the NFL again and would be a solid presence for L.A.
Ryan Tannehill - Stays with Tennessee Titans
There is a buzz that the Titans might pursue bigger fish on the market such as Brady, but the odds favor them sticking with the guy who got them to the AFC championship in Tannehill. It could be via the franchise tag if they wish to avoid a long-term commitment.
Jameis Winston - Signs with Las Vegas Raiders
Jon Gruden is notoriously fickle at quarterback. Word is hot that he's ready to move on from Derek Carr. The Raiders want Brady but that is unlikely. There is a small buzz that the head coach is interested in Winston and could probably get him cheap.
Marcus Mariota - Signs with New England Patriots
This probably comes as a shock to Bears fans. That said, think about it. Mariota and Trubisky share the same agent. They also have a number of the same issues. So what would be different? Mariota signing in New England makes sense. The Patriots need depth and the 26-year old could use that time learning under the best with a chance to seize that job down the road.
So what does this mean?
It means if the Chicago Bears are going to make a significant move at quarterback, it will involve either a trade or an unexpected cut. Andy Dalton and Nick Foles spring to mind. Two guys with strong connections to the coaching staff and lots of solid experience. Maybe even Carr if the stars aligned. The truth is the evidence points to the Bears sticking by their word and riding out one more year with Trubisky. They may even decline his 5th year option to pour on some pressure.
Pace still believes in his young quarterback. Enough to gamble his job? It seems so. He always talks about conviction. This is his moment for it.
