NEWSLETTER
Neither Mitchell Trubisky nor Nick Foles has proven to be a favorable long-term answer for the Bears’ even longer-standing quarterback problem. So unless something unexpected happens, the Bears figure to explore more desirable quarterback options on the open market.
This sentiment is echoed by The Athletic’s Dan Pompei, who runs through the potential external possibilities the Bears could consider this offseason.
Pompei mentions the usual suspects we’ve grown accustomed to discussing in recent years. Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Andy Dalton, and Tyrod Taylor are free-agents-to-be who could be brought in to battle for the job. Projected high-round picks Trey Lance, Zach Wilson, and Mac Jones also pop up as potential options we have entertained more recently. High-profile names such as Dak Prescott and Sam Darnold show up, too. But one name stands out above the rest.
How does trading for Baker Mayfield sound to you?
One anonymous front office type told Pompei, “He could be available, I think.” Another chimes in, adding: “There would be a market for him. But you would have to decide if you want to pay him.”
To that end, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reports that first-year GM Andrew Berry won’t address Baker Mayfield’s long-term future with the team right now. And while there is an obvious focus on Mayfield being the quarterback-of-the-present, that a GM who didn’t drafted him hasn’t explored extension possibilities is an eyebrow-raising development. This opens the door to toss around the idea of making a run at Mayfield more realistic and less of a pipe dream for a team desperate for a face-of-the-franchise type of quarterback. All of which brings me back to Mayfield being the most intriguing possibility.
Baker Mayfield, 25, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He plays with confidence, swagger, and bravado. And while that comes with highlight-reel plays, it is also accompanied by reckless decisions, turnover issues, and inconsistency. In a way, Mayfield’s performance through his first three years in the league draws parallels to Sam Darnold. From performance, to contract situation, to the pedigree of being a top quarterback prospect. But Mayfield has shown a higher floor and still has a ridiculously high ceiling.
So in that vein, I see the Mayfield trade possibility mirroring the Jay Cutler situation in 2009. Quarterback whose numbers look good and upside is still tremendous despite notable flaws. However, one who could be moved by a front office that didn’t bring him on board in the first place.
And I suppose I should mention the Bears tried meeting with the Heisman-winning quarterback during the pre-draft process in 2018. It was an awkward meeting, but necessary. Moreover, it’s something that could turn out to pay dividends.
Looking ahead, the Bears need to operate aggressively whenever the 2021 offseason market opens up. Because while I haven’t thought long enough about Mayfield being a slam-dunk “gotta-have-him” type of target. That he even emerges on our radar at this time is enough to get me peeking into the not-too-distant future.
