The Chicago Bears haven’t added a rookie quarterback of any kind since 2017. Not even undrafted free agents. Could that streak finally come to an end? That is the hope for many. Word came out that the team was flying in North Texas star Mason Fine for a tryout. Though undersized at 5’9, he threw for over 12,000 yards and delivered some pretty impressive moments.
By all accounts, the young man is squeaky clean off the field with a strong work ethic and standout leadership traits. All things this Bears regime would gravitate towards. However, there may be another reason they like him. It seems Fine has been training with and learning from a fairly notable NFL quarterback this offseason.
A certain man by the name of Drew Brees. The two were spotted working out together with personal trainer Todd Durkin during the spring. GM Ryan Pace has ties to Brees from his days with the New Orleans Saints and every QB decision he’s made has centered around finding the Bears their version of him. So Fine being an understudy of his probably didn’t hurt.
Mason Fine looking up to Brees is no surprise
Brees is a Texas-born man. Fine was born not too far away in Oklahoma and went to college in Texas. So he undoubtedly has heard plenty about the Brees legend. Another reason he probably idolizes the Saints icon is the size similarity. Brees himself is only 6’0 tall. He had to overcome that stigma of being a short quarterback as well. Not to Fine’s extent but it’s still a reminder that size doesn’t have to be everything in the NFL.
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So what will it take for him to achieve that dream? Being mobile is something that can benefit him in a big way. However, Fine needs to embrace the work to live from inside the pocket as Brees did. Right now his footwork is nowhere near ready and he ran a fairly simple scheme in college. He’ll also need time to acclimate to NFL speed.
He’ll have an excellent coaching staff to help him along should he land on the roster. If he does what they say, then things should work out.