NEWSLETTER
I know the Bears’ quarterback situation isn’t pretty, but the Eagles’ handling of their own quarterback mess was downright laughable. They started Jalen Hurts, then benched him in for Nate Sudfeld. In case you missed it, let’s just say that Sudfeld’s game-tape is better set to the theme from Benny Hill than any NFL Films sound. All the while, Carson Wentz was inactive and unavailable.
And by the looks of things, the last we see of Wentz with the Eagles might have been sideline shots of him from last night’s game.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports Wentz plans to ask for a trade this offseason. At the root of this request is Wentz’s relationship with Head Coach Doug Pederson, which is “fractured beyond repair” according to Mortensen’s sources. And with things lining up for Pederson to return, there’s a feeling that Wentz might as well have one foot out the door. But to where?
Mortensen links the Colts as a possible suitor. Indianapolis has positional needs, ample cap space, and Frank Reich, who was Wentz’s OC during his best stretch in Philly. That’s an obvious connection, to be sure. However, we can’t count out the Bears.
In addition to their obvious long-term quarterbacking needs, Bleacher Report’s Kalyn Kahler notes the Bears’ prior interest in Wentz, as a reason to believe in some potential future interest, as well:
Bears general manager Ryan Pace and his staff were interested in Wentz ahead of the 2016 draft and had looked into trading up for him that year. But based on his 2020 performance, NFL insiders aren’t sold that Wentz would be an upgrade over Trubisky. Head coach Matt Nagy has a close relationship with Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, whose opinion could factor in.
And after watching Mitchell Trubisky on Sunday, the Bears should be open to any and all external options.
Even after making the playoffs, the Bears have work to do to become the team they think they can be. And on the offensive side of the ball, it starts with who’s pulling the trigger at quarterback. Acquiring Wentz would come with plenty of caveats including roster fit, cap massaging, and health concerns. And this is before we even consider who is the general manager and/or head coach in 2021.
Nevertheless, it’s something to keep an eye on whenever the Bears’ offseason officially kicks off.
