The Chicago Bears will be in the market for a new backup quarterback this off-season. But where will that quarterback come from?
The Bears have almost completed the first phase of what should be quite an exciting off-season. With the addition of new head coach Matt Nagy, coordinators Mark Helfrich and Chris Tabor along with the retention of stellar defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Bears have nearly finalized their coaching staff and now the focus shifts towards free agency and the NFL Draft.
As the Bears brass begins to hone in on improving the roster it is clear that upgrades are necessary at wide receiver, edge rusher, cornerback and offensive tackle. But there is one need the Bears must address that has flown under the radar but also may be the most important: backup quarterback.
Chicago Bears 2018 NFL Draft: Analyzing the Need at Backup Quarterback
The epic failure that was the Mike Glennon experiment has been universally accepted as one of the worst free agent signings of the 2017 offseason. Ryan Pace and the Bears front office will almost certainly cut ties with Glennon to free up valuable cap space that can be used to upgrade the roster in other places. Mark Sanchez, the other quarterback not named Mitch Trubisky on the Bears roster, will become an unrestricted free agent in March, though Sanchez can likely be retained by the organization. Whether Sanchez re-signs or not, the Bears will still need to add a solid backup to Trubisky, and the draft may be a great place to look.
The 2018 NFL Draft is loaded with talent at the quarterback position with as many as six prospects likely to come off the board in the first round alone. Although there is no shortage of teams with a need at the position, the depth within the draft may bode well for a team like the Bears who wouldn’t be interested in drafting a quarterback until at least day three. Here is a list of prospects who may fit the scheme that Nagy and the Bears coaching staff will create to cater to Trubisky’s strengths.
J.T. Barrett, Ohio State
The leader of an Ohio State team that was in contention for a College Football Playoff berth is projected to be drafted very late despite his stellar performances on the field. With 35 passing touchdowns to just nine interceptions and another 11 rushing touchdowns, Barrett consistently found ways to help his team win, most notably leading a comeback against Penn State by torching their tough defense with both his arm and legs. Scouts claim that Barrett lacks an NFL arm but if he can improve his strength he would be a great dual-threat quarterback to back up Trubisky.
Quinton Flowers, South Florida
South Florida’s dual-threat quarterback regressed in completion percentage this season but still led his team to a respectable 10-2 record with losses coming only to “National Champion” UCF and Houston. Flowers may be the fastest of all the quarterback prospects this year not named Lamar Jackson. His 25 passing touchdowns and just six interceptions show he has a knack for protecting the ball, but his draft stock drops thanks to his short stature. Adding a player like Flowers to the Bears roster may lead to solid backup play if ever Trubisky needs to sit.
Riley Ferguson, Memphis
While Ferguson doesn’t present the same dual-threat as Trubisky, the Bears would be foolish not to jump on the Memphis product if he’s available in the later rounds. Ferguson carved up defenses to the tune of 36 touchdowns and nearly 4,300 yards against just nine interceptions. Ferguson’s number one receiver Anthony Miller is a prime candidate for the Bears to add at receiver and the pairing could see similar success in the NFL if the Bears decide to pull the trigger on both.
