The Chicago Bears aren’t under any illusions. This 2017 off-season begins and ends with one primary mission. That’s to find a quarterback who can help this organization win more football games. Simple in theory but highly difficult in practice. Thus far GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have betrayed zero information on what their plans might be. Will it be the draft? Free agency? All they’ve done is explain certain traits they’ll be looking for.
Well it seems they may have found somebody who fits their ideal description. For the past couple months, speculation has tied the Bears to a possible trade deal for New England Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Thus far there hasn’t been any fire with that smoke. Seems that has changed according Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
“THE CHICAGO BEARS WILL MAKE A STRONG, CONCERTED EFFORT TO ACQUIRE QUARTERBACK JIMMY GAROPPOLO FROM THE PATRIOTS, ACCORDING TO SOURCES WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE SITUATION. THE ILLINOIS NATIVE IS FAR AND AWAY THEIR TOP OFFSEASON PRIORITY.”
Garoppolo is considered one of the primary names on any market this off-season. He’s 25-years old and entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Patriots have no reason to suspect Tom Brady is approaching an imminent decline after his seventh Super Bowl berth. So if they wish to avoid losing him for nothing to free agency, then a trade is their best option.
THE CONNECTION
It’s impossible to know for sure when the Bears became interested in Garoppolo. Then again it may have started back during the preseason. Chicago traveled to the east coast where they held joint practices with the Patriots prior to their week two meeting. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explained how Pace made sure to meet with Garoppolo. Both because the young man was an intriguing talent, but also because they shared a unique bond.
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“HE SPENT A SOLID 15 MINUTES VISITING WITH FANS WHILE RYAN PACE, A FELLOW EASTERN ILLINOIS FOOTBALL PRODUCT, STOOD PATIENTLY BY A GOAL POST ON THE LAST FIELD TAKING IN THE CHANTS OF “JIMMY! JIMMY!” JUST AS THEY WERE ABOUT TO MEET, GAROPPOLO ENCOUNTERED SOME SPECIAL-NEEDS CHILDREN AND SPENT EXTRA TIME WITH THEM.
FINALLY, THE BEARS GENERAL MANAGER AND THE QUARTERBACK WHO LIKELY WILL BE A TRADE COMMODITY THIS OFFSEASON GOT TOGETHER.
“WE GOT TO TALK ONE-ON-ONE AND IT WAS JUST A COUPLE OF EASTERN GUYS HANGING OUT,” SAID GAROPPOLO, WHO IS PLAYING THE ROLE OF FALCONS QUARTERBACK MATT RYAN IN PRACTICE THIS WEEK AS THE PATRIOTS PREPARE FOR SUPER BOWL LI. “THERE ARE NOT MANY EASTERN ILLINOIS GUYS (IN THE NFL), SO IT’S A SMALL GROUP AND WE LIKE TO STICK TOGETHER.”
It’s no secret that Garoppolo went to Eastern Illinois University in college. He wanted to stay close to home where he went to Rolling Meadows High School. What many might not recall is that Ryan Pace also went to EIU. He played defense during his time there before becoming a scout for the New Orleans Saints after graduation. It’s such an easy connection to make.
THE FIT
For starters there is of course the nativity angle. Come on. A born and bred Illinois native returns home to help pull his childhood franchise out of the muck. The story practically writes itself. Garoppolo was a local hero even before he was drafted. He broke every passing record set by Tony Romo, who also went to Eastern Illinois. Beyond that he looked quite good is his brief audition at the beginning of 2016 when he started for the suspended Brady.
Garoppolo is said to mirror the future Hall of Famer in many ways from body type to style and throwing motion. The accurate passing is certainly something that stands out. This makes him a fit for the Bears from a schematic standpoint as well. Keep in mind the best performer at quarterback in 2016 for the Bears was Brian Hoyer. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains worked well with him. Hoyer of course was an undrafted free agent of New England back in 2009.
Garoppolo is both younger and more talented than Hoyer is. If they are similar, then it stands to reason Jimmy and Loggains would be an excellent fit.
AUTHOR’S REACTION
There are plenty of emotions running through the mind with this. After what just happened with Jay Cutler, it’s easy to imagine many Bears fans are wild about the idea of another expensive quarterback trade. It’s fair to feel that way. At the same time one must ask the question. Is there anybody in the 2017 NFL draft class who is better than Garoppolo? One or two might be more talented, but not better at this point.
Don’t forget the situation at hand. This Bears regime is running out of time. They are 9-23 in their first two seasons. John Fox cannot afford another down year. Otherwise he could be fired and Pace might not be far behind him. This team needs to win more games, and it must be sooner than later. That’s not going to get accomplished with Hoyer or a rookie quarterback.
Garoppolo is both young and experienced. He’s the best of both worlds in that respect. He gives Pace and Fox somebody ready to start now and he is also somebody they can build around for the next five years. The cost of course will be the major talk. Predictions have ranged from a second round pick to a first round pick and more. Especially if other teams get involved. It’s hard to believe the Bears can afford getting into a bidding war with other teams when they still have so many other roster needs to address.
One thing not to overlook? Chicago and New England have already done business over the past two years. First it involved a trade of linebacker Jon Bostic and then again with tight end Martellus Bennett. That familiarity could help streamline the process.
