Picking a backup quarterback for Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Pace identified what he values in a backup quarterback. Can he find his man this offseason?
At his press conference during the NFL combine, Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Pace spoke to the media for about 20 minutes. He talked about everything from the draft to free agency, to the impending release of Mike Glennon. With that discussion came what Pace is looking for in a backup quarterback.
Pace cited chemistry with the coaching staff and with Mitchell Trubisky. Pace noted that a backup to Trubisky has to understand it is not a competition and be supportive and a mindful backup. He cited experience in that role being important. Can he find that in this years group?
When looking at the quarterback class in free agency there are three names that stand out like sore thumbs.
Mark Sanchez, Tyler Bray, Chase Daniel.
We know what Mark Sanchez is, he was the third quarterback last season. While some may laugh at his on-field antics, he is excellent in that role and Trubisky respects his opinion and friendship. The Bears should try to bring him back. However, they need a number two.
Tyler Bray was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first year Matt Nagy was with the team. The two climbed the NFL ladder together. Bray is 26, so the experience and ideology of a backup are lacking. However, Pace also mentioned that Nick Foles showed that having a backup who can step up and win is important as well. Does Nagy think that he can win with Bray?
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The best bet is that Bray is a quarterback three option if the team misses out on Mark Sanchez. The Bears likely are gunning for Chase Daniel. Not only does Daniel have connections with Matt Nagy, he also has familiarity with Ryan Pace.
Daniel signed with the New Orleans Saints when Pace was the Director of Professional Scouting. He spent three seasons there, and then moved to Kansas City, to work under quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy. The duo spent three seasons together before Doug Pederson move to Philadelphia, Nagy moved to offensive coordinator and Daniel followed Pederson. After one year with the Eagles Daniel was back to New Orleans, where Pace still has connections.
The Saints may be looking to draft a quarterback, but they still may need a backup. The Chiefs will need a backup fresh off of their trade of Alex Smith. They will have the same idea in mind when it comes to providing a backup to Patrick Mahomes.
Daniel knows his role, he can step in and complete passes and he understands the offense that the Bears are trying to run.
Other potential backup options include Drew Stanton, Chad Henne, Derek Anderson, and Matt Moore. These are options you can trust to check all of the boxes that Chase Daniel checks. However, it seems apparent that with the familiarity being greater than any of those options, that Daniel will be the first option the Bears exhaust in free agency.