Chicago Bears: Top-5 quarterback options with Carson Wentz now in Indy

The Chicago Bears can scratch off Carson Wentz from the front office’s “quarterbacks to target” list after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the former No. 2 overall pick in 2016 has been traded to the Indianapolis Colts.

The former Eagle quarterback seemed like an enticing choice in Chicago after the Bears front office opted not to pick up the fifth-year option for Mitchell Trubisky. During his five seasons with Philadelphia, Carson Wentz posted a 68-49 record with 16,811 passing yards, 113 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

But even with those numbers, it appears the Bears had already backed out on trade talks for Carson Wentz via Adam Caplan on Twitter.

Chicago still remains a top option for many of the remaining free-agent quarterbacks. Ryan Pace could opt to upgrade the position via trade or perhaps the organization has its eyes on a rookie quarterback in the draft.

Who will the Chicago Bears have under center now that Carson Wentz is no longer an option?

Carson Wentz heading to Indianapolis locks in what the Colts are doing at quarterback as well as the Eagles’ presumable future with Jalen Hurts. This trade follows the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams trade that swapped Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff amongst other draft picks included in the deal, but the looming question remains for Bears fans…what is the plan here?

There’s a world where the Houston Texans trade Deshaun Watson after many reports indicate Watson wants to play in a new uniform next season. Two teams that might be in the quarterback market are the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets, so maybe the Bears land a Jimmy Garoppolo or Sam Darnold if a trade is made, but that’s a lot of ifs and maybes.

Instead, the Bears’ front office should set their eyes on these 5 options at quarterback via free agency now that Carson Wentz is no longer an option.