NEWSLETTER
I’m all for the Bears unleashing a mighty cut in their swing-for-the-fences attempt to land a dream quarterback (think Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson). But I’m also a realist who understands the challenges ahead of Chicago in its pursuit of a star who is unhappy in his current situation (cap issues, lacking trade capital because of a low pick in the draft, etc.).
So with that in mind, I’m keeping tabs on alternatives in case the Bears can’t land either of their Plan A(s).
Perhaps Ryan Fitzpatrick makes sense as one of those types:
For whatever it’s worth: Former #Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, 38, does plan on playing in 2021, and he should have a solid FA market for his role. There’s been some public debate about his future, but he does intend to play this year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2021
There was some weekend scuttlebutt that the 38-year-old quarterback would hang ’em up this offseason. Instead, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport tweets that Fitzpatrick plans on playing in 2021. Additionally, Fitzpatrick figures to have a market of suitors. Rapoport doesn’t name names, but you don’t have to use too much of your imagination to figure out some options. Ultimately, Fitzpatrick’s presence on the market it certainly noteworthy. Especially for QB-starved teams like the Bears.
To be clear, Fitzpatrick isn’t a perfect target. Deshaun Watson is. Russell Wilson is. But Fitz is intriguing, fun, and perhaps, more importantly, a more easily obtainable target.
Fitzpatrick has a big beard, a big personality, and a big enough arm to complete some daring throws. Last season, for example, he completed 68.5 percent of his passes, threw for 2,091 yards, tossed 13 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions. His 95.6 passer rating represents his second-best number of his career. All things considered, Chicago could do worse as far as short-term plug-and-play options are concerned.
And to that end, it’s worth highlighting that Fitzpatrick’s name pops up on Brad Biggs’ list of “Plan C” QBs the Bears could target this offseason.
Joining Fitzpatrick on the list are Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Jimmy Garoppolo, Gardner Minshew, Andy Dalton, and Sam Darnold. The names in this group will elicit mixed emotions in a general setting. But after being teased with the idea of Watson, Wilson, and – to a lesser extent – Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff, this collection of talent leaves plenty to be desired. Let’s keep in mind this list was created as to provide backup options. You know, contingency plans in case their pursuits of Watson and/or Wilson turn out to be futile. And if the last calendar year has taught us anything, it’s that having Plans B, C, D, etc. isn’t a bad thing.
As for the fit, it doesn’t take much stretching to get to that point. Fitzpatrick has shown he can steward an offense as a bridge and be a mentor to a developing quarterback. So should the Bears opt to use whatever draft capital they have to select a high-upside QB prospect who still needs seasoning, teaming that player with Fitzpatrick makes sense. At minimum, it’s not something I’d dismiss out of hand.
In the end, it’s good to have options. And it’s more important to be cognizant of all possibilities. Considering how important the quarterback position is, the Bears should cast a wider net than when their kicking carnival in 2019.
