A Pair of CFL Quarterbacks Had Tryouts with the Bears
One of my favorite things about the NFL’s continuous roster churn is that there is always something that pops up and intrigues me.
And my eyebrows definitely raised in a hilariously cartoonish manner when I saw the Tribune’s Brad Biggs report that two Canadian Football League quarterbacks were at Halas Hall for tryouts:
Jacob Dolegala played collegiately at Central Connecticut. Not quite the football hotbed, but hang with me for a minute. Dolegala had stops in the NFL with the Bengals (2019), Patriots (2020, 2021), Packers (2021), and Dolphins (2022). But he didn’t stick anywhere for too long and eventually went to the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2022. If you’re looking for a deeper Bears connection, I’ve got one. Because Dolegala’s two stints with the Packers in 2021 means he crossed paths with Bears Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy when he was an assistant in Green Bay. Hey, sometimes it is as much about who you know as it is about what you know (or what you can do). Connections are king in the NFL.
Kai Locksley is a UTEP product who was with the CFL’s Edmonton Elks in 2022. Locksley spent time in Dolphins camp in 2021 and was part of the last round of cuts that August. It is worth noting that Locksley played receiver for the Dolphins that summer. Perhaps the 6-4, 210-pound Locksley is someone there Bears see as a multi-purpose developmental piece. At a minimum, it is worth kicking the tires on any and all intriguing athletes. After all, GM Ryan Poles has to fill out that roster somehow.
Backup quarterback isn’t a high priority for the Bears this offseason. Especially with Trevor Siemian under contract for another season. HOWEVER, it would behoove Poles to cast a wide net if he is looking for future options. The Bears might do well in looking for a younger and more athletic option behind Justin Fields. Envy is a trait I’m actively trying to kick. But I’ll admit to marveling at what the Ravens have behind Lamar Jackson. Mostly because they remain competitive in games despite Jackson’s absence. Sure, much of that can be contributed to the coaching and roster construction in Baltimore. But the acquisition and development of Tyler Huntley is nothing to overlook. And it sure would be nice if the Bears could find someone like that of their own.
So while I doubt they’d find it in a CFL QB, it doesn’t hurt to host ’em for a tryout.
