The Chicago Bears made it clear that they were going to find a way to push Mitch Trubisky in 2020. That meant finding competition of some kind. They made an early push in free agency to secure Teddy Bridgewater but that fell through after he chose to take more money from Carolina. From then on it was widely believed the focus narrowed to two names. Andy Dalton and Nick Foles. Both were available via trade and weren’t expected to cost much in terms of compensation.
After careful negotiations that lasted a number of days, it seems GM Ryan Pace found the deal he wanted. With so many connections to the revamped coaching staff, it felt like Foles would end up being the guy they’d want. The Jacksonville Jaguars tried to wait things out in the hope they could find a better offer but that came to nothing. The former Super Bowl MVP will come to Chicago as a backup and be a threat to Trubisky’s starting spot.
Is it a splash move fans wanted? No. Does it improve the Bears’ overall quarterback situation? Without question. The good news also is if it doesn’t end up working out, the team can release him next offseason for a healthy chunk of cap space.
Nick Foles is what the Bears wanted, for better or worse
From the start of this offseason, both Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy made it clear. They were looking for “competition” for Trubisky. Not a replacement. Looking at the available options, Foles made the most sense. He has a long history as a quality backup but also a winning track record as a starter. The presence of that ring on his finger also makes him a legitimate threat that Trubisky will have to take seriously.
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Throw in the many (many) connections he had to the coaching staff? It almost felt inevitable if one looked at it realistically. Losing a draft pick in the deal doesn’t help but quarterbacks are expensive. People won’t like this because it’s not the splash they wanted. That is understandable. Foles’ star isn’t exactly at a peak right now.
That said, he’s an experienced and accomplished quarterback. If the Bears can construct a decent offense the rest of this offseason, he can win football games.
