Ryan Pace never comes across like it in front of the press, but one thing that has proven true during his tenure as GM? He has an ego. One almost has to in that position but sometimes egos can get a little out of control. Especially when it comes to certain players they draft. Need an example? See Howie Roseman in Philadelphia.
The Eagles GM reportedly has a big Fathead of Carson Wentz on the wall of his office. So when it came time to choose between the quarterback and head coach Doug Pederson, the choice was obvious. Pederson, who'd won that franchise a Super Bowl (without Wentz) was fired. That kind of stubbornness and loyalty has left the future of the organization very much in question.
Pace may be proving to be the same.
Since the moment it happened four years ago, it's obvious the Bears GM was a huge fan of Mitch Trubisky. Not just professionally but personally. He loved everything about the kid from his personality to his backstory. So it shouldn't be a surprise that Pace might be finding it hard to quit the 26-year old. Every little bit of hope? He'll cling to it.
According to a source, that is what's happening behind closed doors. While many inside Halas Hall are ready to
move on from Trubisky including the entire coaching staff. Pace remains reluctant. He was encouraged by the late-season turnaround the QB had. Enough to believe a greater commitment to that style of offense could finally get the most out of his talents.
This is one reason why the GM didn't automatically
dismiss the idea of Trubisky returning at his end-of-season press conference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EBw6sdtXVc&t=3s&ab_channel=ChicagoBears
Ryan Pace still has final say on all personnel decisions
It's important to remember that. George McCaskey made it clear. So if Pace is adamant about bringing Trubisky back on some sort of short-term deal? He can. If he does that though, it could result in some tension with Nagy and the coaching staff. Putting the fates of everybody's jobs back in the hands of Trubisky is a losing proposition to them. They have to try for something better.
It's fair to wonder if Leonard Floyd might be playing a part in all this too. Remember Ryan Pace drafted him in the top 10 as well in 2016. Even trading up for him. The linebacker was a disappointment in Chicago. Then the moment he leaves for Los Angeles, he finishes 2020 with 10.5 sacks. The GM has to be dreading what might happen if Trubisky goes to a new team and does the same thing.
That isn't a good enough cause to keep him though.
Trubisky posted a 95.4 passer rating in 2018. Since then? It's dropped to 86.8. That is right around the league average. It is clear who this quarterback is. Good enough to eat up on bad opponents but immediately looks like he belongs back in high school against better ones. Remember he was 0-3 this past season against playoff teams. He was 1-5 last season with the one win coming against the Vikings' backups in the season finale.
Pace needs to give this dream up. It's not going to happen.
