In terms of things that rank of importance this offseason, Ryan Pace’s press conference ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine ranks low on the list. Not because it’s not important, but because Pace is good at managing to say a lot without actually saying anything.
And still, here we are trying to analyze every word he says as if it holds some hidden meaning. Some of what Pace said could have a hidden meaning — like him choosing not to address Mitchell Trubisky’s fifth-year option until May. But most of what Pace says is a general overview of what we’ve already known.
Still, here are five takeaways from Pace’s press conference at the Scouting Combine:
1. Pace remains publicly committed to Mitchell Trubisky, but won’t commit to fifth-year option
While Ryan Pace continues to publicly back Mitchell Trubisky, it doesn’t exactly feel like it’s the same behind closed doors. When asked if the Bears would pick up Trubisky’s fifth-year option, Pace said that’s a decision that doesn’t have to be made until May. Not exactly the kind of affirmation you’d expect from a GM that is committed to his quarterback. I mean, Pace said last January that they would be picking up Leonard Floyd’s fifth-year option, and he was true to his word.
It’s also worth noting that Trubisky is the only quarterback currently under contract for the Bears. So Trubisky is the only possible starter at this point, until Pace brings in competition through free agency and the NFL Draft. And that’s something Pace made abundantly clear. The Bears will be bringing in competition for Trubisky, which Pace claims should bring out the best in Trubisky. But if Pace was so confident in Trubisky as his quarterback, he wouldn’t have to keep reciting words of affirmation to convince everyone else.
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