For the past couple of weeks, the quarterback outlook for the NFL draft remained unmoving. Everybody knew how things would start. Trevor Lawrence goes #1 to Jacksonville. Zach Wilson goes #2 to the Jets. From there, the mysteries began. It was obvious a quarterback was going #3 when the San Francisco 49ers traded up to that spot. What people haven’t been able to figure out is who their pick will be. Chicago Bears fans are especially interested because it could lead to significant repercussions for their team.

Now the first major domino has fallen. Sort of. According to Ian Rapoport, the 49ers brass have narrowed their list from three quarterbacks to two. His sources are confident the pick will either be Mac Jones of Alabama or Trey Lance of North Dakota State. Jones has been the favorite most of the way since San Francisco traded up. Lance seems to have gained some steam to enter the picture. The big surprise is Justin Fields of Ohio State falling out of it.

As the #49ers close in on their decision of which QB to take at No. 3, sources say they are down to two prospects — and the belief is those two are #Bama QB Mac Jones and #NDSU QB Trey Lance. Several sources say the focus does appear to have shifted to those two.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2021

This makes the picture a little bit clearer for the Bears.

Now they have a slightly better idea of who they may have a chance to come up and grab. It remains one of the hottest rumors going around that Chicago is eyeing a trade up the board for a quarterback. GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy want to make a splash. If the right guy is within reach, it’s not hard to imagine they’ll pull the trigger. The big questions are do they have the green light from ownership and who is their primary target?

It is difficult for many to understand how George McCaskey can give so much leeway to two men who appear to be on the hot seat. If he does indeed allow something like this to happen, he’s either gone insane or Pace and Nagy might be safer than people think. As for their preferred target? That isn’t entirely clear but sources have informed SM that Fields is the primary guy they want. If so, this is welcoming news for them.

Chicago Bears still need help to make this happen

While this cleans up the picture some, the fact is several things still need to happen. The Atlanta Falcons sit at #4 and there have been rumblings they might consider a quarterback as well. An heir apparent to Matt Ryan. However, many experts seem confident they’ll go with stud tight end Kyle Pitts instead. Cincinnati (#5) has Joe Burrow. Miami (#6) has Tua Tagovailoa. So the next team that may consider a quarterback is Detroit at #7.

Most don’t seem convinced that will be the case. However, the Lions are reportedly interested in moving down. So a team that wants to move up may view their spot as premier to come up for a quarterback. The same goes for Carolina at #8. They traded for Sam Darnold and appear set at the position. If there is a team the Chicago Bears could negotiate to make that jump, it likely starts there.

The cost will be considerable.

Probably a future 1st round pick and one of their Day 2 picks. Hopefully, Pace doesn’t get overly anxious and overpays. Something he’s been prone to do when quarterbacks are involved. See Mitch Trubisky. The truth is the Bears are at the mercy of the board for the first six or seven picks. If Fields or their QB of choice navigates those waters, there is a strong possibility they’ll try to get up for them.