The Chicago Bears know what their primary goal for 2017 is. Do whatever it takes to fortify the roster enough so they can make a run at their first winning record since 2012. That begins and ends with the quarterback position. Until they're able to get that area settled, they can't even think about making a run at the division title, let alone a Super Bowl.
It starts with figuring out what to do with their three options from 2016. Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley could make it easy since both are free agents this year. Preseason standout Connor Shaw is as well. The only option they have under contract for next season is Jay Cutler. The irony of that being he's the one many believe the Bears wish to part ways with.
This makes it more than likely they will pursue an outside option. Early assumptions were they might try drafting somebody with the third overall pick. That has since shifted to rumors of their interest in New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo. However, this stampede of speculation has caused another name to get overlooked.
Much of the hype around Garoppolo is understood. He's a former second round pick. He's spent the past three seasons learning under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. To top it off he could have his second ring as a backup by the time the off-season goes active in March. He also played pretty well in his brief appearance at the start of the season.
However, it's still fair to wonder why there hasn't been more talk about another young backup who could be on the block. The Cincinnati Bengals know they need to reload their roster after their first season out of the playoffs since 2010. One way they could help stockpile more draft picks is by dealing A.J. McCarron.
The former fifth round pick from 2014 is well-liked by the coaching staff. However, his contract is becoming an issue. With Andy Dalton firmly entrenched as starter, the time is approaching for the team to make a decision. Either they deal McCarron while he still has trade value or just keep him until he chooses to leave in free agency. The 26-year old made it clear he was definitely open to the idea of becoming a starter elsewhere.
"Nothing I can do about it," he said. "I try not to worry about it. You’re always going to think about it. I’d be lying who ever told you I wouldn’t. If they were going through the same situation you’re going to think about it because you want to play as a competitor. But I’ll let my agent handle everything and go with whatever he says."McCarron remains somewhat of a polarizing player among those in the NFL community. At Alabama he was the consummate winner, guiding the Crimson Tide to national championship victories in 2012 and 2013. He threw for 8,630 yards, 74 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions in his three years as a starter. Some believed he has the capacity to become a quality quarterback in the pros. Others think he was just a byproduct of the machine Alabama has been under Nick Saban. The buzz phrase often used with McCarron is "game manager." He's not the type who will win games with his right arm. He'll keep the offense on schedule and the turnovers to a minimum. It worked wonders at the college level but such types have a harder time winning championships in the pros. So the question becomes is this really true or was the system he played in a mask for what he could really do? Some believe the latter might be the case. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Why-AJ-McCarron-is-Better-Than-You-Think-Xs-Os-Film-Breakdown-NFL-Now.mp4"][/video] Something else to consider is that McCarron is actually more experienced than Garoppolo. He's started four games including one in the playoffs. During that stretch he went 2-2 with 764 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception. Not elite numbers but commendable considering they were his first four starts ever. So why would the Bears consider him? For starters he'd almost certainly be cheaper than Garoppolo. Both Cleveland and San Francisco are considered players for the Patriots backup. That will certainly drive the price higher. McCarron, being a year older and a lower draft pick means it wouldn't take as much to get him. Likely no more than a third rounder. Then there's the fact he fits exactly what they're looking for. https://twitter.com/Chris_Roling/status/827639050748059648 John Fox has said he wants a quarterback with a winning mentality. McCarron did nothing but that at Alabama. Ryan Pace values somebody with experience and who can throw with accuracy. He checks both of those boxes as well. Best of all he fits the type of offense the Bears are becoming. Run the ball with Jordan Howard, play good defense, and don't turn it over. That was the 'Bama system in a nutshell. If they can't get Garoppolo and aren't liking the draft options, then a Chicago Bears A.J. McCarron union is definitely something to watch for.
