You folks know the story by now. The Chicago Bears backed into the playoffs. They went into New Orleans’ Superdome and got walloped in the Wild Card round. They brought back Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy. Their defensive coordinator retired. And then, their post-season press conference was a massive disaster.
Just finished the Pace and Nagy presser. A few takeaways:
I don't think either guy said Mitch's name once. He's absolutely gone.
A veteran QB option seems like a strong possibility.
This Pace contract expiry obsession is wild. Does it matter if they don't improve in 2021?
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 13, 2021
It can be argued that the decision to bring back Pace and Nagy has merit — in fact, I’ve gone on record several times saying while I believe Pace should be gone, Nagy still has significant promise. Alas, it was the PR of how George McCaskey and Ted Phillips gas-lit the media and Bears fans with confounding answers to simple questions.
But that’s all water under the bridge for now. Pace and Nagy have a win-or-else “mandate” from the Bears’ brass. Let’s see what kind of off-season it shaped out as for the Bears.
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With that, let’s reach into this week’s Bears Mailbag. Thanks to all who submitted questions. Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
Bears Mailbag
It's TBD. Right now, it appears the Bears have spoken with:
Jonathan Gannon
George Edwards
James Bettcher
Aaron GlennAnd I'd assume they speak with Jay Rodgers and Sean Desai internally.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
(UPDATE — Jay Rodgers has agreed to coach for the Los Angeles Chargers as part of new HC Brandon Staley’s staff. And while it’s reported that Aaron Glenn has agreed to a deal to become the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator, ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that he is still weighing interest from other teams.)
This is a tough one — too many things still have to be decided, including the salary cap. If I had to guess, a vet such as Ryan Fitzpatrick could make sense as a bridge option to 2022. Otherwise, they should be eyeing Mac Jones as their most probable bet in the draft.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
I doubt it. The Bears don't like to use the franchise tag, and Robinson has long voiced his displeasure with the tag.
If the Bears use it, it'd be for a tag-and-trade scenario to a team who'd be signing him to an extension. Otherwise, they'll agree to an extension with him.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
Josh Reynolds is an intriguing WR option on the free agent market, but the Bears would certainly look to the draft to replenish their WR corps. Remember, Anthony Miller is likely on his way out, too.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 21, 2021
Yep, the linebackers are the trickiest part when discussing a switch to a 4-3.
Trevathan would probably have fit best at Will a couple years ago. They will need to make a couple additions (free agency/draft) at the LB spots.
Luckily for the Bears, there should be options.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
Free agency: Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Trade: Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota.
Draft: Mac Jones.
The list isn't very long!
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
It depends on what you mean by "mortgaging." I think they will have to a) make tough decisions on their defense, b) invest in the QB spot relatively heavily, and c) fill a lot of holes on the roster without many resources.
In other words, it's going to be a tough job.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
The scary thing is, with a win-or-else mandate, Ryan Pace may not have much choice BUT to do all of those things, especially with the improvements he absolutely has to make.
I have doubts the Bears can compete in 2021. And are those moves good for the Bears long term? No.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
At a minimum, they'd have to: Trade Kyle Fuller and Akiem Hicks, cut Jimmy Graham, Buster Skrine and Bobby Massie, and not bring back Allen Robinson just to have enough cap space. And THEN they'd need to build a trade package around three first-round picks (and much more).
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
Out of necessity, I think they will have to trade one of either Akiem Hicks or Kyle Fuller (and hate every second of it).
It's a popular theoretical move on Bears Twitter, but I do think it'll be more shocking (and painful) if and when they do go through with it.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
Derek Carr is interesting. He has great potential, but isn't aggressive enough and that seems to frustrate Jon Gruden at times.
The Bears probably don't have what it takes to pull off a trade for Carr, though.
I'd rather the Bears try for the Raiders' backup, Marcus Mariota.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 19, 2021
They will likely look to acquire a cheap veteran (think Ryan Fitzpatrick) and also supplement it with either a young developmental QB from another team (think Josh Rosen) or the draft (think Feleipe Franks).
I don't think the long-term answer will come in 2021.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
I think they will attack it in two ways: Acquire a veteran QB, and spend a draft pick somewhere in the draft on someone to groom. I don't, however, think they will be finding their long-term answer in this offseason.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
I'd watch Ryan Fitzpatrick from a veteran standpoint. From the draft? Take your pick in the later rounds — but a physical talent I think can be intriguing is Feleipe Franks. (He needs years of development, though.)
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 20, 2021
