Free Agent Quarterbacks the Chicago Bears Should Consider to Replace Josh McCown

Dec 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown (12) gestures at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

It looks like the Chicago Bears could be in the market for a quarterback yet again.  No, nothing happened to Jay Cutler.  He’s the quarterback of the present and the near future.  But it looks like top backup Josh McCown could be headed to the open market.  McCown will certainly draw interest in the free agent market, with teams like the Jets and Browns among those linked to the journeyman who had a career year under Marc Trestman while appearing in 8 games for an injured Cutler.

If Josh McCown does in fact leave the Bears in free agency, the Bears will need to find themselves a new backup quarterback, otherwise known as the next “fan favorite” for whom Cutler-haters will be clamoring before his first interception of the season lands in an opponent’s welcoming arms.

I wouldn’t at all be surprised if the Bears draft a mid-round quarterback for Marc Trestman to groom, but they’ll still need a veteran backup.  Just consider that in his five seasons in Chicago, Jay Cutler has started all 16 games only once, in 2009.  Since, he’s missed 13 starts including five last season.  He’s got two documented concussions with the Bears, so you never know when the next shot he takes will be his last.

You might argue that the most important position the Bears have left to fill on the offensive side of the ball is the backup quarterback spot.  Here are some interesting options to for the Bears to consider: