A couple of hours ago I wrote a piece on how a rumor emerged that the Chicago Bears were having dinner with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. It was reported by @LeroyInsider who works for Pro Football Talk and Barstool Sports. Given his previous track record, it was difficult to take any of that seriously. However, things took a rapid left when Cole Wright of the Marquee Sports Network and SiriusXMNFL spotted Manning at the Oriole restaurant dining with Bears representatives.
This is apparently a real thing and it's hard to know how to feel. The idea from the start that's been reported is the Bears are seeking a veteran quarterback with significant starting experience. Manning obvious fits that profile perfectly. He's been a starter since the mid-2000s, been to multiple Pro Bowls and has two Super Bowl rings. That is a resume few can match.
At the same time, he hasn't been that player for a couple of years now. So it's difficult to know what Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy might be thinking with this avenue.
Eli Manning hasn't had a good season in years
Some people have tried to say Manning was never a good quarterback. Actually he was. He just hasn't been for several years. One would have to go back to 2015 when he threw for 4,432 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions for a 93.6 passer rating. Since then his efficiency has steadily declined. It's why the Giants chose to draft Daniel Jones 6th overall in 2019, leading the 39-year old to get benched. Do the Bears really believe they can squeeze another good year out of him?
Well, his 2018 season wasn't "terrible." He finished with 4,299 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Good for a 92.4 passer rating. The Giants went 5-11, but that was largely due to a defense that gave up 25 points per game. Perhaps the Bears feel he can have more success paired with their top 5 defense. It's worth noting that Manning never had a losing record in his career when the defense was top 15 in points allowed.
Odds are they can get him for cheap, which would allow them to use their remaining resources to bolster the offensive roster. It's far from an ideal solution, but there's at least a plan behind it.
UPDATE:
Mercifully Adam Jahns of The Athletic reported this morning that sources in the Bears organization revealed there was in fact no meeting between Manning and the team.
A lot about this entire thing didn't make much sense. Better to just leave it buried and move on.
