The Chicago Bears have addressed almost every position on their roster, with maybe the exception of an edge rusher. GM Ryan Poles invested most of his off-season resources into the offense, hoping to bring the unit out of the mud and close to the same level as their ascending defense. Caleb Williams takes over at quarterback. Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze fortify wide receiver. D’Andre Swift provides more gas at running back. There isn’t much to complain about. Still, people always find something.
One of the most pressing issues among national experts and insiders is the Bears’ stubborn unwillingness to pursue a more experienced backup quarterback. Tyson Bagent is in his second season, starting four games in 2023. Brett Rypien has been in the league for four years but only played in nine games. Having so much unseasoned youth behind Williams feels like a missed opportunity. That is why ESPN’s Aaron Schatz once again called on the Bears to rectify the problem with one easy decision.
Sign QB Ryan Tannehill
The Bears believe they put a real playoff-contending team around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. What on earth are they going to do if Williams gets hurt? Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien are not bringing this team to the playoffs. The Bears should sign the best free agent quarterback left on the market and let him earn a check as Williams’ backup and as a veteran part-time coach.
Yes, logically, it makes sense to add him. He’d be a terrific sounding board for Williams and would bring stability where the rookie gets hurt. At the same time, the Bears have no intention of muddying the waters. They have too much experience of such situations getting complicated. It happened with Mitch Trubisky and Mike Glennon in 2017 and again with Justin Fields and Andy Dalton. They want to make it clear that Williams is the unquestioned starter. Every single rep in training camp will be devoted to getting him ready. Besides, they like Bagent and believe he has plenty of room to grow.
The Chicago Bears are far from the first team to embrace this approach. Indianapolis did it with Peyton Manning, and Atlanta did it with Matt Ryan in 2008. Indianapolis did it again in 2012 with Andrew Luck. Quarterbacks will survive if they don’t have a veteran mentor behind them. Williams will be fine. It’s one less distraction to worry about. Maybe if Tannehill is still available when injuries hit the position, the Bears might reconsider. For now, they’re forging ahead.
