Smart teams always invest in the quarterback position, even if they might have one of the best in the NFL. The Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots have proven this for years. The Chicago Bears used to do so but stopped for whatever reason over the past few decades. They would make a massive investment in one quarterback and then be content with signing cheap veteran backups who’d never done much elsewhere in the league. GM Ryan Poles has to keep his options open at the position.
Yes, Justin Fields is the starter. Nobody disputes this. He earned that right with his improved play last season. Even so, the guy tends to get hurt due to his aggressive playing style. The Bears should think about investing more in their depth behind him. Signing P.J. Walker was a step in that direction. They also signed undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent. However, it feels like more competition is needed. That is why it might be smart to take a look at reigning USFL MVP Alex McGough, fresh off winning a championship for the Birmingham Stallions.
Sure, he plays in a league that is no comparison to the NFL in terms of talent. That said, it didn’t seem to dissuade them from Walker. Prior to rejoining the NFL, he was a breakout star himself in the XFL for the Houston Roughnecks. If he can make the jump, there is no reason McGough can’t. He was a 7th round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2018. From there, he bounced around the league for a few years, never getting many opportunities outside practice squad stints. So he decided to join the USFL in 2022.
This season he became their starter and was an instant sensation. In 12 games between the regular season and playoffs, he threw for 2,658 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also rushed for 551 yards and six touchdowns. McGough is a dual-threat player with good size (6’3) and very good accuracy as a passer. His biggest drawback was arm strength. He was never known for throwing missiles. That doesn’t seem to have stopped him from finding success. The Chicago Bears should give him a look before somebody else does.
