March is finally here and with it comes the steady ramping up of the NFL rumor mill. Then again most people would agree it was already at full steam after the Super Bowl. One of the hottest topics covered thus far is the Chicago Bears quarterback conundrum. Everybody knows GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy need to save their jobs. Fixing that position after another frustrating year with Mitch Trubisky is paramount. So who will they get? NFL insider Ian Rapoport has some ideas.
Would Deshaun Watson or Russell Wilson be great? Of course. They are both by far the targets of opportunity for the Bears. However, they’re also considerable long shots. Neither the Houston Texans or Seattle Seahawks seem open to discussing trades at this time. Chicago obviously can’t wait forever. They have to make a move sooner or later.
If it’s not them, then who? Rapoport has some ideas.
He appeared on the Pat McAfee Show to talk about it. Based on his assessment and perhaps what he’s been hearing, there are three names that stand out. The first is Alex Smith. Expectations are the 36-year old will be cut in the coming days and he has deep ties to Nagy. Another is Marcus Mariota who could be released by the Las Vegas Raiders due to cap issues. Last but not least is Sam Darnold. He could be on the outs in New York presuming the Jets draft a new quarterback.
According to @RapSheet QB options for the #Bears include Alex Smith, Marcus Mariota, & potentially Sam Darnold #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/Tetnb2aBDD
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 2, 2021
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The common thread from Rapoport’s point of view seems to be price. If and when they’re released, it’s likely neither Smith nor Mariota will cost too much to acquire in terms of money. Darnold is also on his rookie contract and inexpensive. His trade value will be the big sticking point. Experts believe the ballpark estimate should be around a 2nd round pick.
Ian Rapoport makes it seem like Bears could go bargain hunting
This presuming that Watson and Wilson are not possible for them. It makes some sense. The Bears need to win in 2021. Selling out to acquire a top draft quarterback probably won’t help them this year. So what’s the best course of action. That would be adding a veteran on a sensible deal and then using all their resources to build up the offense around them. The offensive line, wide receivers, whatever it takes.
It’s not the ideal scenario but it’s one with some logic to it. Smith went 5-1 last season when he got his opportunities to start. He has a long track record of being a successful game manager who makes enough plays to win. Mariota despite his fall from grace in Tennessee did play well at times and even won a playoff game. He’s also still just 27. Darnold needs a ton of work but his talent is still substantial at 23-years old.
Preferred options? No. That doesn’t mean they’re pointless ones.
Then again it’s possible Ian Rapoport doesn’t know anything. Pace is notorious for keeping his cards close to the vest this time of year. Especially whenever it involves the quarterback question. One can bet he isn’t letting anybody in on what the plan is. Rapoport may just be speculating on the little information he has about who the likely targets will be.
One thing is for sure. The betting odds on those three guys becoming the next Bears QB would be fun. You can do that and more at PointsBet. They are partnered with the Chicago Bears and the promo code Mockery gets you two risk-free bets of up to $2000 right off the bat. Even clueless people like me can have some fun with it.