Andy Dalton wasn’t what Chicago Bears fans had in mind. Yet the former Cowboys backup is what they get. He is a long way away from being the three-time Pro Bowler he was in Cincinnati. Yet after striking out on Russell Wilson, it appears the team felt they had few options. Not wanting to get left behind in the veteran market, they decided to move quickly. Dalton was interested in them, so a deal came together quickly.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune was on top of it before anybody. His sources are fairly certain Dalton is the projected starter for 2021. However, that doesn’t mean the Bears are done making moves at quarterback. If by some chance Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson become available? They will explore them. The draft is also a possibility. However, their changes may not be limited to just the starting job.
They could have designs on a new backup as well.
While laying out the Dalton situation, Biggs dropped a highly intriguing bit of info that wasn’t expected. The Bears have eyes on possibly signing Alex Smith who was recently released by the Washington Football Team. He has strong ties to Matt Nagy. Such a move would be contingent on the team finding a way to unload Nick Foles.
“It’s possible the Bears are not done remaking the quarterback room. They could have their sights set on Alex Smith if a situation arises where they can find a taker for Foles. Nagy worked with Smith in Kansas City, and the Bears might view him as the ideal No. 2 behind Dalton.”
Foles is an interesting situation. He’s not exactly expensive at around $6.6 million for this year. One would think he’d make a fine backup. Yet the indication here is the Bears would prefer to make changes. The only way they can do so without taking a cap penalty is by trading him or having him use his player option to leave. Since the latter is unlikely, they’ll have to see if they can find a team interested.
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Chicago Bears would get a good backup and insurance in Smith
His rise from that horrific leg injury in 2018 all the way back to starting in Washington is storybook stuff. An amazing come. To say nothing of how he helped guide the team to the playoffs. While it wasn’t always pretty, there were occasional flashes of the good player he was three or four years ago. Now he’ll be even healthier by the start of this season. He likely won’t cost much. It would make sense to grab him as both a backup and insurance in case Dalton flops.
The best way to describe this idea? It’s a clear indicator the Chicago Bears are doing everything in their power to maximize their possibilities at quarterback. One could argue Dalton and Smith at quarterback is an improvement over Trubisky and Foles. Especially if the team is able to also upgrade the offensive line and wide receivers.
Not the best plan but it’s something
Foles will be the one to watch. There are plenty of teams that could use a veteran backup. Giving up a late round pick for him might be appealing with most of the guaranteed money on his deal gone. Even a future late rounder would be worth it as long as it gets that contract off the books. Then the Bears would be free to go after Smith.
