The Chicago Bears made their intentions clear from the moment the offseason began. Whatever options open to them at quarterback will be explored. All signs thus far indicate they’re willing to be aggressive. They want to make a splash. It’s not a question of intent with them. Kyle Long and others realize it is more a question of ability.
Chicago isn’t in a premium spot. They’re low on spending money and draft capital. Their best pick is 20th in the 1st round, which is well out of the premium range for landing a quarterback. The top veteran names like Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott, and Derek Carr all appear out of reach. So GM Ryan Pace is in a bit of a no-mans-land with no clear route forward. That might explain why Long predicts a rough outcome at quarterback.
He explained as much to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
“I think that they will not be able to get done what they want to get done in the draft at the quarterback position,” Long said of the Bears, who pick 20th. “I think we’re going to see Nick Foles with a full offseason behind him being the starting quarterback. Obviously, I think Mitch goes elsewhere.”
This is the doomsday scenario for a lot of people. Chicago won’t be able to secure any veteran of note. Then the top four QBs will be gone early in the draft. This will leave them with the brutal decision of running it back with Foles and using every resource possible to build up the offense around him. Considering how he played in 2020, that is not going to inspire a lot of confidence in fans.
In eight games, the 31-year old veteran threw for 1,854 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. The hope in going with him is that another year in the offense and better protection up front could lead to better results. Given the track record of Nagy thus far, it’s hard to imagine the results getting much better.
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Kyle Long isn’t alone in this pessimistic view
Plenty of fans and even Bears media have that sinking feeling that Foles will end up being the guy. Adam Jahns of The Athletic calls it the “likeliest” scenario with the team adding a rookie draft pick to the mix. Similar to what Pace did back in 2017. Let Foles play the Glennon role (hopefully with better results) while the kid sits on the sideline and learns.
If this is the approach they seek, then one potential QB prospect fits the mold of a perfect developmental option. That being Trey Lance. The North Dakota State product wowed people in 2019, throwing 28 touchdowns without a single interception and winning an FCS national championship. He has size, mobility, a strong arm, and can throw an accurate ball. The problem is experience. Lance started just one season of college football, totaling 318 passes.
Everybody knows what happened last time the Bears took an undercooked QB.
Kyle Long isn’t wrong with his assessment. It’s just a matter of hoping his prediction doesn’t come to pass. Otherwise, the Bears could be in for a difficult season. One that could end up mirroring the last two with lots of ups and downs and ultimately no progress in either direction. This is the one thing fans want to avoid. Either win and make the playoffs or lose and start over. Stopping spinning the wheels.