Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky faces an uphill battle to prolong his career with the Chicago Bears. Following a disappointing outing in 2019, the former No. 2 overall pick will have to win the starting job that he’s held for the previous three seasons.
While there were many things that contributed to Chicago’s abysmal offensive output last season, Trubisky’s play was the most frustrating. General manager Ryan Pace brought in an experienced veteran in Nick Foles to compete with Trubisky for the starting job this season, and he didn’t pick up Trubisky’s fifth-year option, which wasn’t a surprise to many, including Trubisky.
‘‘It wasn’t really a big surprise to me because I kind of felt like I had it coming,’’ Trubisky told reporters last Friday via video conference. ‘‘I put myself in their shoes. If I was looking at myself, I feel like I would have to go out and earn that fifth[-year] option, and I feel like the way I played last year didn’t merit that. . . . I think it’s just more fuel to the fire to me, more motivation that I could have done more to get extended.’’
Trubisky will battle Foles for the starting job, a competition that figures to begin in training camp and last through the preseason. Considering the shortened offseason, Trubisky figures to have an advantage in the competition, but he’ll have to earn the starting job on the field.
Still, Trubisky understands the situation he’s in. His future in Chicago is far from guaranteed, so at this point all he can worry about it playing for his next contract, be it in Chicago or elsewhere.
‘‘My plan is just to go out there and earn my next contract, wherever that is,’’ Trubisky said. ‘‘I want it to be here in Chicago. I’m going to play my heart and soul out for this team and give it everything I’ve got. So I’m just excited to get back on the field with my teammates and get back to work.’’
Trubisky has spent this virtual offseason organizing workouts with Bears skill position players in the Chicago area, which has included receiver Allen Robinson, running backs David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen, as well as tight ends Cole Kmet and Demetrius Harris. They’ve been working on running routes and continuing to build that chemistry necessary between a quarterback and his pass catchers.
Many believe Foles has the advantage in the quarterback competition, given his experience in Nagy’s offense and a belief that the Bears are prepared to move on from Trubisky. But the hope remains that this is the year that Trubisky will finally put it all together and become the quarterback that can lead this franchise to the postseason and beyond.
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