The Chicago Bears’ quarterback position will receive the most attention and be the most important to the team this offseason. With the unfortunate regression of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago is likely to either sign a veteran free agent or draft a quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft. General Manager Ryan Pace and Head coach Matt Nagy need to make it a priority to have as many quarterback options available at the start of the 2020 season.
Chicago’s front office has shown that it is fully committed to resolving their quarterback issue by the hiring of several offensive minds. Bill Lazor has been hired as the team’s offensive coordinator. Lazor has had success with quarterbacks in the past, including Andy Dalton. The team also hired John Defilippo as their quarterbacks’ coach, Defilippo was key to the Philadelphia Eagles offensive success when they won the Super Bowl in 2017. Along with Nagy and passing coordinator Dave Ragone, Chicago has created a brain trust of coaches at the quarterback position.
The Bears should sign a veteran free agent and draft a quarterback to join Trubisky at the position. It will be Trubisky’s job to lose, but the Bears need to have multiple insurance policies in place if he struggles. Chicago’s defense gives the team a chance at the playoffs for the next two seasons. That is a window that can not afford to be lost because of ineffective play at the quarterback position.
There will be several veteran options available this offseason, whether via trade or free agency. Dalton, Phillip Rivers, Alex Smith, Nick Foles, and Cam Newton are all quarterbacks who will be available one way or another. Three of the five quarterbacks listed have a prior history with Bears coaches in which if they need to step in immediately, they would already have experience with the offensive scheme.
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Pace needs to draft a quarterback who the Bears quarterback brain trust can develop. The group of coaches can mold their rookie quarterback while he sits and learns the playbook. This will enable the team to move on from Trubisky and not need to rely on a veteran for more than one year. The offensive staff will have their quarterback of the future that can will be able to take over the following season.
Chicago should even consider adding a fourth quarterback during training camp. There is nothing wrong with having as many options when trying to solve the most important position in football. They could find their future starting quarterback similar to how the Detroit Lions found David Blough, who started for them late last season.
The number one goal for the Bears to have the best opportunity to have success at the quarterback position is to have as many options as possible. Pace and Nagy’s future depends on the success of Trubisky, but can save their jobs by having their team win with another quarterback. If the team could dedicate its resources to resolving the kicking position last offseason, there should be no expense spared for resolving the quarterback position.
