Quarterbacks
Jay Cutler– No– The Cutler era in Chicago is coming to an end. The Bears will try to trade him this offseason, but if they can’t find a taker, he is going to be released. An argument can be made that he can be a placeholder until the Bears’ QB of the future is ready. However, a placeholder QB like Hoyer at a significantly lower price makes more sense.
Brian Hoyer– No– Hoyer has done a nice job filling in for Cutler this season, but he’s nothing more than a season-to-season quarterback. Hoyer may return next season as a veteran QB to back up or start until the young QB is ready, but he isn’t anything more than that.
Matt Barkley– No– Perhaps Barkley could receive a ‘doubtful’ grade because he could be the backup of the future, so to speak. But I don’t see Pace committing to him. Barkley is on this team because Pace likes him more than David Fales. Other than that, his future with the team is dim.
Connor Shaw– Unknown– Of all current QBs, Shaw has the best chance to stick with this team long-term. He’s a young quarterback who showed some skills during the preseason until an injury unfortunately ended his season.