Chicago Bears 5 biggest needs following first wave of free agency
By Joseph Herff
Quarterback could be the number one or number two need for the Chicago Bears
I’m in the minority of thinking that Andy Dalton is not as bad as everyone thinks. As Bears’ fans who have never had a quarterback, it is going to be weird to have a proven veteran who knows the game and is a three-time Pro Bowler under center. He can command the offense and will provide the Bears some consistency at the position, for now. But, many see Dalton as a disaster.
Although, the emphasis is on “for now”. The Bears cannot be satisfied with Dalton as an answer at quarterback for more than two seasons. I do believe though that Matt Nagy is recreating the 2017 Kansas City Chiefs. He’s securing his Alex Smith and trading up for Trey Lance is my guess. Regardless, they need a long-term solution.
Draft:
- Trey Lance, North Dakota State
- Justin Fields, Ohio State
- Mac Jones, Alabama
- Kyle Trask, Florida
- Kellen Mond, Texas A&M
Free Agency:
- Alex Smith, Washington Football Team
- Joe Flacco, New York Jets
- Nick Mullens, San Francisco 49ers
- C.J. Beathard, San Francisco 49ers
- A.J. McCarron, Houston Texans
Clearly, the free agency market for quarterbacks is dead. Adam Schefter keeps emphasizing the Bears are after Russell Wilson, but I don’t see him leaving. As I said, Dalton will be a solid option this season behind a good offensive line and can help mentor young Trey Lance. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bears targeted a late-round quarterback as well.