So, that was kind of a crazy few hours on the Bears quarterback front. And nothing actually happened.
First, PFT dropped the bombshell that the Bears were in negotiations with free agent Teddy Bridgewater, which got folks all titillated. But then contrary reports indicated that not only did Bridgewater have another suitor in Tampa Bay (and possibly another in Los Angeles), but he was unlikely to wind up with the Bears regardless of what else happened on the quarterbacking turnstile.
Speaking of which, that’s where Tom Brady came in: there was a very brief time – like 25 minutes? – where it seemed the Bears and Bridgewater’s marriage would actually be dictated by whether Brady wound up in Tampa Bay. But like I said, that was quickly scuttled by other rumors.
Then, reports had the Bears actually mostly interested in the veteran trade market – Nick Foles and Andy Dalton – which admittedly would square a little more with the prior expectations for how the Bears would proceed this offseason (starting-capable veteran to push Mitch Trubisky, and then maybe drafting a developmental QB).
But you know what? Things were so crazy and so quickly-shifting and so interconnected that I’m not quite ready to say anything is settled just yet in the quarterbacking world, be it for the Bears or otherwise.
… oh, well, except for one thing:
Browns reached agreement with former Redskins' QB Case Keenum on a three-year, $18 million deal that includes $10 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
The tampering window has opened and #Patriots QB Tom Brady’s agent can hear from teams. My understanding: The #Chargers and #Bucs will inquire, and of course New England wants him back. That is Brady’s market as of right now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
I am told the Tampa Bay Bucs have made the intentions to Tom Brady loud and clear.
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 16, 2020
Tampa Bay's interest in Tom Brady is very real and sincere. We'll see if he reciprocates
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 16, 2020
Lot of belief that Jon Gruden has an interest in Jameis Winston with the Raiders. That’s been speculated for a long time.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 16, 2020