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.