The
Chicago Bears aren't being talked about much around the league. That isn't a huge surprise. They were a quick exit from the playoffs. They didn't hire a new head coach or GM and they don't have a high pick in the 1st round of the draft. This makes them uninteresting in the eyes of the national media. It seems the only way they garner some attention is if they do something big.
That is where the quarterback conversation comes into play. All signs point to GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy aiming to make a splash. They want to upgrade that position badly. League buzz suggests they were in on Matthew Stafford before he was sent to Los Angeles. Smart money says they'll dip into the waters on every noteworthy name that may or may not be available.
So that begs the question. Who
is available? There is plenty of gossip on that subject. Let's try to sort through the mud to find out.
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All the QB rumors point a clear direction for the Chicago Bears
Deshaun Watson
Everything surrounding the situation with the 25-year old star quarterback suggests a long standoff is approaching. The Houston Texans made it clear right away they aren't entertaining trade offers for him and reports since then have stated inquiries from other teams have been rebuffed. Houston seems intent on waiting Watson out and trying to convince him to stay. As for the QB himself? He's already scrubbed team mentions from his social media and is prepared to sit out as long as it takes. He is done with the Texans.
Derek Carr
Las Vegas journalist Vincent Bonsignore
dropped quite a bombshell when he revealed the Raiders might be entertaining a three-team deal in which they'd send Carr to another team in exchange for two 1st round picks, enabling them to make a push for Deshaun Watson. Carr is coming off one of the best seasons of his career with 27 TDs and just nine interceptions. Yet it's been evident for the past two years that head coach Jon Gruden isn't totally smitten with the 30-year old. It's clear he is waiting for the right opportunity to move on. Will that be this offseason? Not likely.
Dak Prescott
Despite the nasty ankle injury that ended his season, Prescott figures to be a hot commodity when free agency opens next month. The Dallas Cowboys know this. That is why Albert Breer and other insiders indicated they will likely apply the franchise tag to Prescott for a second time. This will start an interesting clock. Dallas no doubt hopes the tag will buy them time to find common ground on a long-term extension for the star QB. However, if it's becoming clear the two sides are too far apart, does Dallas consider trading him? Knowing Jerry Jones, don't bet on it.
Carson Wentz
The Philadelphia Eagles seemed to make their choice between Wentz and head coach Doug Pederson when they fired the latter a few weeks ago. Apparently, they didn't account for the
feelings of the quarterback himself. Reports are Wentz still wants out of Philadelphia. Adam Schefter reported that it's becoming more likely the 28-year old gets traded and the Eagles will move forward with Jalen Hurts and the new coaching staff. It'll be interesting to see what Philly can get for him. His contract is massive, he's coming off a career-worst season and now he has a reputation for being combative with his head coach.
Matt Ryan
It wasn't a huge surprise that speculation began this offseason about the Atlanta Falcons possibly moving on from Ryan. His salary cap number is over $40 million and he's 36-years old this year. The team holds the #4 overall pick. It feels like the premium situation for a franchise to move on from their aging star QB. However, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network and others state the Falcons have no intention of trading Ryan. New head coach Arthur Smith wants to keep him and hopefully make one more run at the Super Bowl while the QB has some gas left in the tank.
Sam Darnold
The New York Jets have become a real wild card on the QB scene. They hold the #2 pick in the draft. So plenty of people think they're prepared to draft a new quarterback. Others think they may end up keeping Darnold, who is only 23, and drafted the best player possible at that spot. It could go either way. Schefter reported that if the Jets do trade Darnold, they'll likely get a late 1st rounder for him. That puts teams like Chicago, Indianapolis, New Orleans, and Pittsburgh in play. The talent is definitely there. Can his development be salvaged?
Jameis Winston
The Chicago Bears were unexpectedly connected to Winston last week with the idea they may consider him in free agency next month depending on what happens with other quarterback pursuits. The former #1 overall pick spent last season as a backup in New Orleans, learning under Drew Brees and Sean Payton. Now with Brees retiring, the Saints have made it crystal clear they wish to keep the 27-year old in hopes he might be their long-term answer at the position. For his part, Winston most likely may prefer to stay put given the great setup they have on offense.
Jimmy Garoppolo
The rumors have been rampant since the offseason began around Garoppolo. Every veteran QB of note has been connected to San Francisco from Watson to most recently Kirk Cousins who has ties to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Garoppolo has been a source of frustration for the 49ers since the Super Bowl, partly for his play and partly for his struggles to stay healthy. That said, rumors persist that the team is prepared to keep him for another year with hopes they aren't slapped with so many injuries this time around.
Alex Smith
This is a name people shouldn't overlook. Smith has deep ties to the Chicago Bears through head coach Matt Nagy. The two were together for five seasons in Kansas City and had a lot of success. Nagy knows the quarterback really well from his strengths to his weaknesses. All signs point to the Washington Redskins aggressively pursuing an upgrade at quarterback. This means Smith, who turns 37 in May, could be available soon. While his play as a starter this past season was up and down, he was 5-1. The guy knows how to win. If the Bears are seeking a short-term bridge option, he is one to watch for.
