The Chicago Bears made it very clear that Mitchell Trubisky will be the starter going into next season. With that decision in mind, it's time to reshape our focus and figure out who the Bears top candidates are when it comes to filling the back-up quarterback role heading into next year.
The four factors that will go into measuring/ranking these potential signings are the following:
- Contract: How much will said player cost
- Can said player help push/compete with Trubisky
- If needed, can said player replace Trubisky due to either injury or even just poor play
- How well does said player fit into the Bears offense
Again, the Bears front office has made it abundantly clear that Trubisky will be their number one guy to start next season. So keeping this in mind all but eliminates any potential big names such as Cam Newton, Tom Brady, Derek Carr, Nick Foles, and Teddy Bridgewater. So now that we have the guidlines set, let's jump right in.
1. Alex Smith
If Alex Smith is healthy, he'd be the ideal pick-up for the Bears this off-season. Smith would come on a very team-friendly deal since his signing bonus would stay on Washington's cap. He also has a connection with Matt Nagy from back in Kansas City where he had arguably one of his best years. The role as the back-up/mentor is nothing new for Smith and would be huge for Trubisky moving forward. It's also fair to say Smith would fill in rather nicely if there was an injury to Trubisky or be it just him being benched due to poor play. Again, if healthy -- Alex Smith checks all the boxes for the Bears and then some.
2. Marcus Mariota
The former first round pick is an unrestricted free agent meaning he is free to negotiate and sign with any team this off-season. When it comes Mariota, the Bears seem like the ideal landing spot. He would obviously come in as a back-up but the opportunity to compete would no doubt be there. There is also the Ryan Pace connection. Pace tried to trade up for him during 2015 draft. Lastly, he would fit Matt Nagy's offense perfectly and more than likely be a low cost acquisition.
3. Josh Rosen
The Bears would be smart to trade for Josh Rosen. Rosen (22) is three years younger than Trubisky and at this point Miami would ship him for dirt cheap. Another bright spot to this possible trade, is that we have no idea how good Rosen actually is due to the fact he entered the NFL in two of the worst situations EVER in Arizona and Miami.
Honorable mentions
Even though these guys above are my top three I would also be okay with the Bears going any of these routes.
- Case Keenum: Has proven to be a solid game manger
- Ryan Fitzpatrick: I mean who doesn't love Fitzmagic?
- Phillip Rivers: Not confident he has a lot left in the tank but his resume speaks for itself
Again, not my ideal picks but would definitely be noteworthy additions nonetheless.
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