The Derek Carr Hopes May Still Be Alive For The Bears

The Chicago Bears quarterback question is all-consuming for fans. Hardly a surprise given what they've been through for many years now. Just the idea of another hand-me-down QB from another team or even a return to Mitch Trubisky turns their stomachs. All the while guys like Deshaun Watson and Dak Prescott appear just out of reach. So what about Derek Carr? His status with the Las Vegas Raiders continues to be a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Rumors of the team being open to trading him have persisted for over a year now. This despite the quarterback playing some of his best football. Some people insist there is no way that happens. However, when examining everything closely? One truth becomes apparent. The Raiders won't trade Carr unless they feel they can get somebody better.

That is where this offseason comes in.

One rumor that emerged a few weeks ago was that Las Vegas was very interested in Watson and might use Carr as a way to help get him from Houston. How? By auctioning him off to another team for two 1st round picks, allowing them to offer the Texans a massive package. However, is this the only quarterback they can do that for? Watson isn't the only disgruntled Pro Bowl quarterback right now. It appears Russell Wilson has reached a crisis point with the Seattle Seahawks after another frustrating end to a season. He's repeatedly asked for changes to how the team builds their offense, especially the offensive line. Yet has been met with empty assurances and outright dismissal according to The Athletic.

"Before the Thursday night game against Arizona, Wilson met with his coaches. For some time, Wilson has sought — even pushed — for influence within the organization regarding scheme and personnel. In the meeting, he outlined his own ideas for how to fix the offense. His suggestions were dismissed, multiple sources told The Athletic — another reminder to Wilson that the Seahawks did not see him the same way he saw himself, as a player who had earned greater control over his situation, his future, his legacy. He stormed out of the room."

Now it appears his camp is ramping up a search for trade destinations with four teams emerging as favorites. Among them? Yep. The Las Vegas Raiders. https://twitter.com/TheAthletic/status/1364966805366853632

Wilson pursuit could help Bears go after Derek Carr

The believed floor for a Wilson trade starts at three 1st round picks. It almost certainly could end up being more. Despite being older than Watson, Wilson is a superstar. He's super durable too. He can play for many years to come. Especially if his new team invested in his protection. Jon Gruden loves veteran quarterbacks and Wilson would undoubtedly represent the "upgrade" he seeks. Where does that leave Carr? This is how the Bears can factor in. The Raiders reportedly wanted to use the 30-year old as bait to entice another team into a trade that helps them secure enough draft capital to go get Watson. This could be the exact same situation only with Wilson instead. Chicago offers a large trade package for Carr. Then Vegas packages those picks and some of their own, sending it all to Seattle for the eight-time Pro Bowler.

Would the Bears do it?

Strong rumors have persisted that Chicago views Carr as a top target. They want him. Unfortunately, the Raiders haven't actively made him available. At least not yet. This Wilson stuff could be the domino needed to get things moving in the right direction. Derek Carr isn't a superstar but he is absolutely an upgrade over anything the Bears have had in a long time.