All of the discussions around the Chicago Bears quarterback dilemma remain focused on Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson. They want either of the two stars and are prepared to give up just about anything to make it happen. Lots of draft picks and even some of their good players already on the roster. However, was this their original plan? Depends on who you ask. It seems they may have had eyes elsewhere at first, including on Ben Roethlisberger.
Really? It seems that way. Two weeks ago there was a legitimate buzz the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are significantly over the salary cap, would be forced to part ways with their longtime star quarterback. This despite him going 12-3 last season with 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. In the end, the future Hall of Famer did the team a favor by taking a sizable pay cut to remain in Pittsburgh. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Bears were fully prepared to go after him if he’d hit the market.
“Chicago needs a major upgrade, and the options are limited. League sources said the Bears were in fact pretty serious about Carson Wentz, and had internal discussions about Big Ben as well and were primed to be perhaps the only landing spot for him had he not agreed to take a significant pay cut to stay in Pittsburgh.”
This can’t really be called a huge surprise.
La Canfora isn’t known for his accuracy regarding Bears news but this is at least believable. Roethlisberger would’ve made a lot of sense. He wouldn’t have cost draft picks to acquire for Chicago and likely could’ve elevated the offense for at least 2021. Just long enough to save the jobs of Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy. A way to buy them time. They never got the opportunity.
Thus far the market hasn’t broken their way. Matthew Stafford was never realistic since he played for a division rival. Carson Wentz clearly wasn’t a priority to them given the relatively cheap package Indianapolis gave up for him. That leaves the Bears in a precarious spot. Either they somehow swing big by landing Watson or Wilson, or they are forced to settle for a mid-tier veteran. That or roll the dice on Nick Foles.
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Ben Roethlisberger may not be the only expensive vet to watch
The Atlanta Falcons face a similar issue with longtime star Matt Ryan. He carries a cap hit in excess of $40 million as well. The team is well over the cap as a result. Combine this with having the #4 overall pick, plenty of people wonder whether the team may decide the time is right to start fresh at the position. Especially with a brand new regime in charge.
Barring that? The options aren’t the best. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jameis Winston are among the prominent free agent options. Expectations are Marcus Mariota could be released at some point in the near future by Las Vegas. With Jacksonville set to draft Trevor Lawrence, Gardner Minshew may also be available via trade. So yeah. It’s easy to see why they could talk themselves into a 39-year old Ben Roethlisberger.
Alas, the search continues.
Pace is in a difficult spot. He can’t be sure when Houston or Seattle will be willing to get serious about Watson and Wilson. Or if they will at all. The longer he waits, the more the quarterback market will shrink. There has to be a point where the Bears can’t afford to wait any longer. Will it be a week or two into free agency? Will it be the start of the draft in April? It’s going to be a stressful time for Bears fans.
