Analyzing Chicago Bears’ Potential Quarterback Replacements for Mitch Trubisky

The NFL offseason is often a time for teams to reassess their roster and make changes to improve, and the Chicago Bears are no exception. As the rearguard for Mitch Trubisky becomes more pressing, the Bears are actively considering various trade opportunities and free-agent signings. In this article, we will examine the top contenders, including Andy Dalton, Marcus Mariota, and Case Keenum, and evaluate their prospects in Chicago.

Andy Dalton: The Former Bengals Star

Andy Dalton, currently under scrutiny for his performance with the Cincinnati Bengals, has spent nine seasons as a starter with the team. During his tenure, Dalton led the Bengals to five consecutive playoff appearances, showcasing his potential as a franchise quarterback.

However, his form has notably declined since 2018, largely due to the lack of supporting talent around him. In the 2020 season, Dalton posted disheartening statistics: 16 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and a mere 78.3 passer rating, which contributed to a discouraging 2–11 record. Despite these setbacks, Dalton's regression was somewhat attributed to the absence of talented players in his vicinity.

The Chicago Bears have initiated serious trade talks with Dalton, and the connection between the players is already established through coaching. Bill Lazor, Dalton's former offensive coordinator, now coaches in Chicago, creating a fertile ground for a potential signing.

Chances of Andy Dalton landing with the Bears are approximately 80%.

Marcus Mariota: The Injured and Inconsistent Starter

Marcus Mariota, who had a promising start with the Tennessee Titans but was largely outplayed by Ryan Tannehill midseason, has faced numerous challenges due to injuries. Though the 26-year-old Mariota still has the potential to revitalize his career, his time in Tennessee came to an abrupt end, leading to a benching that likely dampened his morale.

The Bears offer a viable opportunity for Mariota to regain his footing and take on the role behind Trubisky, much like how Tannehill did. However, the personal connection between Mariota and the agent who represents Trubisky might complicate his pursuit of a starting job in Chicago. Instead, it's more probable that Mariota will sign as a backup with another team.

Chances of Marcus Mariota landing with the Bears are approximately 30%.

Case Keenum: The Efficient Backup with Strong Provenance

Case Keenum has an impressive record as an NFL backup, most notably in 2017 with the Minnesota Vikings, where he outperformed Ryan Tannehill despite having a weaker supporting cast. Although his performance with the Denver Broncos was relatively modest, Keenum produced solid statistics with numerous touchdowns and fewer interceptions.

In his most recent stint with the Washington Redskins, Keenum was benched due to external factors rather than his play, showcasing a strong reputation even with limited resources. The Chicago Bears are likely to consider Keenum as the ideal candidate to challenge Trubisky's position and provide a proven backup with lower costs than Andy Dalton.

Chances of Case Keenum landing with the Bears are approximately 85%.

In conclusion, the competition to become Mitch Trubisky's backup in Chicago is between Andy Dalton and Case Keenum, with Keenum being the stronger candidate due to his cost-effectiveness and proven track record. These factors give the Bears a high probability of enlisting Keenum to push Trubisky and improve their performance.

Key Points to Remember

Andy Dalton: Former Bengals starter with solid playoff history, approximately 80% chance of signing. Marcus Mariota: Injured and injury-prone current backup, approximately 30% chance of signing. Case Keenum: Proven NFL backup with strong analytics, approximately 85% chance of signing.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Bears continue to evaluate their options for the upcoming season.