As expected the NFL offseason is beginning to heat up. Free agency is just over a week away and with it comes an avalanche of rumors. There have already been a ton of franchise tags and contract extensions. Not to mention likely outcomes regarding the fate of certain players. None more so than the quarterbacks. This is by far what will interest the Chicago Bears the most.
For weeks its been felt they might try to pursue a more experienced option, headlined by New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo. An Illinois native, he represented the most enticing trade target of anybody on the market. That dream appeared fleeting though with news arriving that the Patriots would not deal him.
In a move that will have a ripple effect on all QB-needy teams, Patriots are not expected to trade QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2017
Yet this wasn’t the only news that is certain to cause a ripple effect around the league. Two of the those top veteran options look like they will be out of reach for Chicago.
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The big news here is that the #Redskins placed the exclusive tag on QB Kirk Cousins. He’s not going anywhere.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2017
#Broncos seem to be “clearly in the driver’s seat” for Tony Romo if he’s willing to take a pay cut (@RapSheet).
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) February 28, 2017
The Cousins news itself wasn’t surprising as everybody expected him to get franchise tagged. No, the surprise was the Redskins using the exclusive version, which means he won’t be allowed to negotiate with other teams. In other words he’s not going anywhere. As for Tony Romo, it’s apparent that he is seeking out a team that is ready to make a run at a championship. Denver was one of the first teams mentioned in connection to him months ago when it was clear Dak Prescott was the new long-term starter.
If nothing else this news has done fans a favor. It clarified what the Bears are likely to do at quarterback.
