Chicago Bears fans have endured a lot when it comes to the quarterback position. The many what-ifs of the Jim McMahon era. Cade McNown and Rex Grossman being massive disappointments. Jay Cutler never quite living up to the trade package needed to get him. Mitch Trubisky at #2. Yet somehow this 2021 offseason might be the worst. Not because of what the Bears got but what they’ve been teased with. In this case, the idea of Deshaun Watson.
When word first came out the three-time Pro Bowler was unhappy with the Houston Texans and wanted out, Bears fans couldn’t help but wonder. Could GM Ryan Pace somehow pull off a miracle? It would’ve been a moment that not even Hollywood would buy as real. Sure enough, reality set in fast when the quarterback was beset by 22 cases of women accusing him of sexual misconduct.
Just like that, Watson’s life was put on hold.
Also just like that, his trade value was torpedoed. With his future uncertain, teams couldn’t afford to wait forever. Courts always take a long time to sort these matters out. Unfortunately, it ruined the Texans’ plans as well. According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, GM Nick Caserio had planned to hold a massive auction right before the draft among teams that wanted Watson. Among those expected to be involved in the bidding were the Bears.
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“This is the week the Texans planned to trade quarterback Deshaun Watson for a draft haul that would’ve accelerated their rebuilding process.
With eight teams showing interest in Watson, the Texans were expected to grant his trade demand sometime before Thursday night’s first round of the three-day draft…
…Before Watson was besieged with legal problems, the Jets, Dolphins, Panthers, Broncos, 49ers, Patriots, Bears, and Washington had shown interest.”
Caserio’s decision to drag things out looks like supreme folly now. Had he moved quickly to grant Watson’s request, he would’ve gotten a giant haul of picks. Now he’s stuck with a quarterback who is radioactive on the market and also still hates the organization. If and when the legal problems dissipate, the chances of him getting anything close to what he could’ve will be gone.
Could the Bears take a gamble on Deshaun Watson?
McClain pointed out that the market will vanish for Watson after the draft with five of those teams expected to take a quarterback in the 1st round. The Jets and 49ers are obvious ones. Carolina traded for Sam Darnold so they’re out. The Broncos and Patriots remain in a relatively good position to get a quarterback if they wish. That leaves Miami, Washington, and Chicago as teams on the fringe.
This raises an interesting question. Do the Bears dare wait the process out and maybe take a serious run at Deshaun Watson after the draft? It’s an obvious risk. He could be looking at jail time if things go bad or at least a suspension by the NFL. Yet the reward might be worth it. Watson is 25-years old and in his prime. He’s under contract through 2025. He would be the franchise QB this organization has chased for so long.
The PR nightmare would be a short-term problem.
Remember the draft isn’t the deadline. Merely a pivot point for many teams. Say the Bears used this draft to secure a bunch of non-QB players for their roster, particularly on offense. Then they revisit Watson in the fall when there might be a clearer picture on his status. They make a strong offer to Houston of three 1st round picks and change. Then they not only have a strengthened offense, but a quarterback to run it.
People can always hope.
