Chicago Bears: Two hidden reasons for the Nick Foles trade

COVID-19 Pandemic

Yep, you read that right. We are in a very strange and unique time in our lives. A time not any of us have ever endured in our lifetimes. With most states on some sort of “stay-at-home” lockdown, the offseason has been handled drastically differently. With teams unable to meet players during the offseason, it makes signing or trading for players somewhat difficult.

This is why many of the unrestricted free agents coming off an injury have yet to sign. Players are unable to meet with teams’ medical staffs. Teams are not able to have workouts with players. Instead, the meetings are done over the phone or video conferencing. Team doctors are only able to review medical records and physicals are done in the player’s hometown by someone usually outside of the organization.

Not to mention, the NFL offseason programs are indefinitely delayed. At this rate, who knows how many practices a team will be able to work in before the start of preseason or the regular season. As we all deal with the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in our own ways, we have to remember that this was starting at the time of free agency.

Remember, free agency was also rumored it might be pushed back. That did not happen, but Illinois (especially the city of Chicago) was already talking about a city lockdown. With this information, it makes sense that the Chicago Bears switched gears from the likes of Andy Dalton, Teddy Bridgewater and even Cam Newton. Focusing on Foles made the most sense for a team who is made up of three of Foles’ prior offensive coaches.

Think about it, would you want to bring in a quarterback who has never (or in the case of Dalton only played under one) played in your system if he has no time to get out and learn and adjust to the playbook and language? Nick Foles will not know Nagy’s offense completely. There have been tweaks and changes throughout the time he last worked with Foles. However, the familiarity itself speaks volumes and he’d have a leg up on any other veteran quarterback coming in.

Many have spoken about the familiarity and trust between Nick Foles and the offensive coaches, but not many (if any at all) have made the direct connection to the hidden reason being the COVID-19 virus. The virus eliminating opportunities to practice was likely a deciding factor in the Bears pursuing Foles over others. It was not “the” reason I am sure, but it had to have played a part. The fact that most people are sitting at home right now is why Foles makes absolute sense.