The Chicago Bears are in the process of trying to find their starting quarterback. Again. It seems to be a never-ending cycle. No matter what they seem to try, it always ends up going against them. Rex Grossman was never that good. Jay Cutler had loads of talent but lacked the laser focus to maximize it. Mitch Trubisky was a good kid and worked hard but seemed to lack that critical “it” factor to take his game to the next level.

So here they are. Preparing to take another swing. Will they finally make meaningful contact? A lot of people don’t have faith. Especially not with Ryan Pace still in charge as GM. He’s the architect of that disastrous Trubisky pick in 2017. Why should anybody trust he’ll suddenly get it right this time around? The truth is it doesn’t matter. Team chairman George McCaskey empowered the man to do what he feels is necessary.

Pace aims to do just that.

What nobody knows is who the quarterback of choice will end up being. The hot name lately is Carson Wentz. Somebody the GM liked as a prospect back in 2016. There is also Derek Carr, Marcus Mariota, Dak Prescott, and of course Deshaun Watson. Most of which don’t seem realistic for various reasons. So if not them, then who?

Field Yates of ESPN has a working theory. The insider put his knowledge to the test in a recent article where he broke down who would be the starting quarterback for every team in the NFL in 2021. There were easy choices like Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, and so on. Where it got interesting is the QB-needy teams. His choice for the Bears probably most of all.

“Projected 2021 starter: Sam Darnold

Part 2 of the Jets prediction is what happens to Darnold. The Bears need to win right away or organizational changes seem imminent, and while Darnold has much to prove, he has supporters within the NFL that could create a trade market.

Why would Chicago be willing to commit to Darnold in a trade and (likely) a fifth-year option when the Jets wouldn’t? Simple. Bears GM Ryan Pace has to be much more focused on 2021 than life beyond it. Darnold represents a likely upgrade over what the Bears have in place, and there’s certainly a chance he could rise under different circumstances than what he had in New York.”

Sam Darnold to the Chicago Bears makes sense

Nobody is saying the New York Jets starter is the ideal solution for Chicago. His first three years in the NFL have been frustrating, to say the least. He’s completed just 59.8 of his passes with 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions with a 13-25 record. All good for a 78.9 passer rating. If this is the case, why would any team be interested in trading for him?

First off, he’s only 23-years old. Still very young despite his already considerable experience. Talent isn’t an issue either. Darnold has mobility, size, and a live arm. A big part of the problem has been the Jets organization itself. They’ve done a poor job building around the young quarterback with a porous offensive (98 sacks in 38 games), receivers who can’t get open, and bad coaching. A quarterback is only as good as the help around him.

Last but not least is the compensation.

While a 1st round pick is possible, it’s more likely Darnold would cost the Chicago Bears a couple of Day 2 selections. Not only that, but the quarterback’s contract is much more affordable than other options, carrying a cap hit under $10 million this season. That would make it easier for Pace to build the roster around him. Again, this isn’t a foolproof plan. It’s possible Darnold may be beyond saving at this point.

Still, the talent is worth the calculated risk if the Bears are forced down that road.