The question that will consume the Chicago Bears forever more until an answer comes is what do they do at quarterback? The hope is that their looming competition between Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles provides clarity. It’s hoped the two will push each other and the winner ends up having a good season. They might even use that as a springboard to success beyond 2020. Yet more pessimistic fans aren’t buying into the odds of that happening. So is there another way? What about Dak Prescott?

This is a name that causes a lot of division among football fans. The guy has led the Dallas Cowboys to the playoffs twice, reached two Pro Bowls, and threw for 4,902 yards and 30 TDs last season. Yet many still aren’t ready to buy him as an elite QB. He’s good to be sure, but a notch below guys like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. How much is a guy like that worth?

This is the problem that Prescott and the Cowboys have run into as neither side can reach an agreement on a long-term contract.

“Talks between the Cowboys and Prescott’s agent, Todd France, began in the spring of 2019. The club initially hoped a deal could be consummated before training camp, then during training camp, then at the start of the season, but it never happened.

Unable to get a contract worked out before free agency, the Cowboys put the exclusive franchise tag on Prescott, knowing that July 15 is the deadline to sign him to a long-term deal.”

How Dak Prescott might be realistic for the Bears

Now understand this is a long shot. Things would have to fall in place for the Bears to even consider making a run at him. However, one such domino may have just fallen. That being the mega extension handed to Mahomes by the Kansas City Chiefs. A 10-year extension worth a maximum of $503 million. That equals out to $45 million per year. A deal that has completely reset the market.

People already believe this news will convince Prescott’s agent to play hardball and ask for more money. Something Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has shown to be more than a little reluctant to consider. If no agreement is reached in the next week, Prescott will play the year on the franchise tag. Then he could become a free agent in 2021 unless Dallas decides to tag him a second time, which would cost $38 million.

If they actually let him hit the market, one question remains. Would the Bears be willing to pay the money to get him? It would be expensive. Very expensive. Whoever the GM is would have to make some tough financial sacrifices to make it happen. Yet it’s possible. Prescott will be 27-years old and in his prime. While not elite, he’d have a good chance to be the best QB the franchise has ever had.

If the Bears want to avoid starting over with a rookie draft pick, this is a move they have to consider should the opportunity arise.