Free Agent Quarterbacks the Chicago Bears Should Consider to Replace Josh McCown
Aug 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jordan Palmer (2) calls a play against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Palmer
Palmer is probably the leading contender to be the veteran backup. He wowed fans with his preseason performance and came back late in the season, so he’s well acclimated to the system, which would give him a leg up. He’s been working with draft prospects to help them prepare for the draft, so he would be a great pickup if the Bears plan to draft a young QB.
Rex Grossman
Yes, I’m suggesting the Bears bring Rexy back. Grossman has learned to hold the clipboard with the best of them, holding down third string behind RGIII and Kirk Cousins. Grossman would be a perfect backup in Trestman’s offense.
Matt Cassel
Wouldn’t it be ironic that the guy who sparked the Jay Cutler trade when Josh McDaniels went from the Patriots to the Broncos came to Chicago to back up Cutler? Cassel ended up in Kansas City while Cutler landed in Chicago.
Josh Freeman
Oct 21, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman (12) throws against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Minnesota Vikings 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Freeman is an interesting prospect that could be an ideal reclamation project for Marc Trestman. He was drafted with the 17th pick in the 2009 draft by the Bucs and had a couple of productive seasons in Tampa before falling out of favor with the team and eventually getting cut. The Vikings picked him up but were unsuccessful in getting anything productive from him.
Freeman has all the physical tools (6’5″ and nearly 250 lbs), but there are some questionable decisions and work ethic might be a question. Perhaps getting cut and ending up on the scrap heap will be enough of a humbling experience to get his head right. Trestman can bring the best out of him; the question will be if he wants to settle for a backup job.
Jimmy Clausen and Brady Quinn
I’ll throw both of the Irish quarterbacks into the same bin. Neither is starting caliber, but they’ve played on the big stage once upon a time. Trestman could rekindle the flame and turn either into a serviceable backup.
Here’s the full list of free agent quarterbacks, according to NFL.com:
Quarterbacks
Derek Anderson, Carolina Panthers
Matt Cassel, Minnesota Vikings
Jimmy Clausen, Carolina Panthers
Kellen Clemens, St. Louis Rams
Matt Flynn, Green Bay Packers
Josh Freeman, Minnesota Vikings
David Garrard, New York Jets
Rex Grossman, Washington Redskins
Chad Henne, Jacksonville Jaguars
Shaun Hill, Detroit Lions
Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks
Jon Kitna, Dallas Cowboys
Josh McCown, Chicago Bears
Luke McCown, New Orleans Saints
Colt McCoy, San Francisco 49ers
Dan Orlovsky, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Curtis Painter, New York Giants
Jordan Palmer, Chicago Bears
Brady Quinn, St. Louis Rams
Rusty Smith, Tennessee Titans
Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
Seneca Wallace, Green Bay Packers
Charlie Whitehurst, San Diego Chargers