This is how things stand with Chicago Bears quarterback situation, and more, after the NFL Combine….
Are things beginning to come together after two months of deliberation?
Here’s where things stand with the Bears’ quarterback situation and more following the NFL Combine, which may have provided insight into the upcoming weeks for the Chicago Bears.
The winds indicate that the Bears are going to select. Caleb Williams.
Last Tuesday in Indianapolis, Bears GM Ryan Poles stated that he would love to make the quarterback decision as soon as possible. Based on last week’s performance, the Bears appear to be leaning in a specific direction.
It wasn’t until about Day 2 in Indianapolis that whispers of a Justin Fields deal began to circulate.
Prior to the combine, there were no rumors about the Bears’ decision. Was it a coincidence that whispers began to circulate after Poles expressed a desire to do right by Fields and move him before free agency opened?
Combine this with reports that the Bears are hoping to bring Caleb Williams in for a visit before his USC Pro Day, and it appears the team is preparing to explore a future with Williams at quarterback.
The Bears have complete control of the 2024 NFL Draft, since they sit first overall. They can do whatever they want, and Williams’ statements at the combine suggest he’s more than eager to begin his career in Chicago. Albert Breer reported.
This leads to the speculation that Fields will be traded. There are a few issues to resolve here first.
The next major domino to fall: Kirk Cousins.
Before Fields can be transferred, the one roadblock appears to be Vikings quarterback and prospective free agent Kirk Cousins.
Cousins, who has been the Vikings’ quarterback since joining with the team in 2018, threw 18 touchdowns in eight games before tearing his Achilles. Previously, he was the subject of midseason trade rumors.
According to reports, Cousins is relocating his family to Atlanta.
Atlanta is a desired location. They already have Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. Most teams have fewer weapons in more than one component of their offense.
New head coach Raheem Morris is a defensive coach, but first-year offensive coordinator Zac Robinson won a Super Bowl with Sean McVay in Los Angeles.
If the Falcons sign Cousins, it means they believe they are ready to compete now, rather than later. It would also have to do with the idea of paying Cousins for a season or two rather than giving up draft money.
After Cousins, attention may move to where Baker Mayfield ends up, but Tampa Bay’s decision to resign Mike Evans may indicate that the team will stick with the former No. 1 overall pick rather than moving on to a new quarterback and offensive coordinator.
The No. 9 overall selection could be a coveted trade-up selection.
JJ McCarthy, a Michigan quarterback, was one of the combine’s biggest risers. The rumor around the La Grange Park, Illinois native was that his stock was rising. Quickly.
McCarthy was ranked among the top 15 last week.
Is there a chance McCarthy will continue to go up draft boards? Absolutely. Zach Wilson did the same in 2021. His combine and pro day efforts contributed significantly to his selection as the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, behind Trevor Lawrence.
That would most likely knock Jayden Daniels out of the top three, but if Daniels falls, the incumbent Heisman Trophy winner might be in contention at No. 9. Not to mention Washington’s Michael Penix.
Beyond No. 9, there are QB-needy teams in Las Vegas and Denver, and even Minnesota, depending on the Cousins situation. This might allow the Bears to recoup draft cash while remaining competitive for top talent.