Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles are fighting for the Chicago Bears starting job in 2020. That’s it. No promises are being made beyond this season. Trubisky will be a free agent in 2021. Foles could opt out of his contract at the same time if he wishes. If the Bears end up struggling again, both GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy could be out as well. This means a totally different quarterback could be involved by this time next year. Could Dak Prescott be that guy?
The two-time Pro Bowler was franchise tagged by the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. Despite repeated attempts by ownership to work out a long-term extension, nothing came of it. Prescott will play the season on the tag with the possibility of becoming a free agent next year. Former MLB executive and current sports analyst David Samson believes team owner Jerry Jones never planned to make such a deal happen.
“There was zero chance of him signing a long-term deal. Why is that the case? Jerry Jones was not going to give Prescott what he wanted in terms of value because there’s no possible way to ascertain what’s going to happening going forward with the NFL in terms of revenue. It’s just too risky and Jerry Jones is too smart.”
There is a danger to this mode of operation though.
Will the Cowboys be willing to tag Prescott again in 2021? It would be significantly more expensive and may not get them any closer to common ground on a long-term deal. There is a possibility they let him test the market. Hence by oddsmakers listed the most likely teams who could last him. The Bears? They sat at a strong second place right behind the Indianapolis Colts.
Dak Prescott is not elite but is better than what the Bears have
With all due respect to Trubisky and Foles, their credibility is at a low point. Trubisky regressed sharply in 2019 with just 17 TD passes to 10 interceptions. Foles broke his collarbone in the first game of the season and was ineffective upon his return for Jacksonville. In many way, this could be their last shot to prove they can be starters in the NFL. Nobody is having such doubts about Prescott.
Is he elite? No. Is he really good? Yes. He just got done throwing for 4900 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. One does not do that without being pretty decent at the position. Prescott is a hard worker, smart, and a dedicated leader. Not to mention tough. Yes, he’s not Patrick Mahomes but he’s better than what the Bears currently have.
Would the team be able to lure him in? Odds are they’d need two things. Lots of money and a credible offensive line. Right now they have neither. The money issue can be worked around, though it would take a few sacrifices. Most likely on defense. The offensive line? It’s hoped Juan Castillo can turn that group around. This season will reveal much.