Last week I reported from sources that the Chicago Bears were expected to be aggressive on the quarterback market this year. Not just in terms of keeping their options open. They plan to do whatever is within their power to finally land a difference-maker at the position. Now Jay Glazer, the respect insider for FOX Sports, added further weight to this in a recent segment.
When asked about where the Bears stand in the QB carousel, Glazer made it crystal clear. He stated they’re “big players” in the market this year. GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy know they have to be and expectations are they’ll leaving nothing in the chamber. Whatever their list of top 3 options ends up being? Expect Chicago to go after them hard.
That list begins with Deshaun Watson.
All eyes are on the three-time Pro Bowler down in Houston where the Texans somehow found a way to ruin a good thing with a litany of really bad decisions. Now the 25-year old is fed up with ownership and just “wants out” at this point according to multiple reports. It’s merely a matter of time before he formally requests a trade.
The Bears plan to be heavily involved whenever that happens. No doubt alongside several other teams. It will come down to two key factors. If Pace can’t put together a trade package the Texans would accept and if they can convince Watson that coming to Chicago would be good for his career. Neither will be easy but it won’t stop them from trying.
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Jay Glazer also offered another interesting indicator
Towards the end of the explanation, he mentioned the possibility that there may be some veterans available people don’t expect. That was an interesting comment. Could it mean certain guys fans and media assume are safe might actually be on the block? Watson is a known name, as is Matthew Stafford in Detroit and Matt Ryan in Atlanta. Maybe Jimmy Garoppolo in San Francisco as well.
Perhaps he’s talking about Derek Carr? Jon Gruden is notoriously restless with his quarterbacks and he might consider a move despite the Raiders QB having the best season of his career. Or maybe the Vikings are regretting their decision to extend Kirk Cousins and may want to move him while he still has value. Teddy Bridgewater might also be out there if Carolina decides to go after another veteran or a potential rookie with their 8th overall pick.
Don’t forget the Bears pursued Bridgewater in free agency last offseason.
Suffice to say, Jay Glazer is warning everybody that there are a lot of moving parts at quarterback this coming offseason. There is really no predicting where the Bears might end up when the dust settles. They could land a proven veteran or they may jump up the board to draft a top QB. The only thing predictable about Pace is he has no qualms about outbidding just about anybody to get the guy he wants.
For once that mentality might actually serve him well.