The Chicago Bears have made a move at the quarterback position but it was not the one many fans were anticipating.
On Wednesday, the Bears officially announced the signing of veteran quarterback Brett Rypien to a one-year deal.
We have agreed to terms with Brett Rypien on a one-year contract.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 13, 2024
Welcome to 312, @brettryp!
Rypien spent the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Rams where he appeared in 2 games while passing for 172 yards and 1 interception.
There will undoubtedly be people who try to make the connection between the Bears' addition of Rypien to the much larger quarterback decision that will be made this off-season. While the likelihood remains that the Bears will be selecting Caleb Williams with the first overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, the lack of trade interest in Justin Fields has led many to believe the team has yet to make up its mind.
The Chicago Bears are adding a veteran to the quarterback room.
To those who support Fields as being the quarterback of the Bears moving forward, they will view the addition of Rypien as the team adding a quarterback to room as a way to hide the current starting quarterback through learning offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's system.
To those who support Williams being the quarterback of the Bears moving forward, they will view the addition of Rypien as the team adding a veteran to back up the rookie instead of Tyson Bagent.
Truth be told, regardless of who the quarterback will be for the Bears in 2024, Rypien's addition is likely viewed as a mentorship in terms of helping teach Waldron's system. Rypien likely will compete with Bagent to be the Bears' backup quarterback but if he has much consequence on the team's 2024 season, something has gone seriously wrong.