There are only 10 days left until the legal tampering period opens in the NFL, where teams can talk freely with free agents. But it’s still anyone’s guess as to where many of the free agent quarterbacks will end up when the dust settles.
When it comes to the Chicago Bears, who only have quarterback Mitchell Trubisky under contract heading into free agency, they’re expected to be active in the market and will add at least one veteran via signing or a trade. But who makes the most sense to bring in? According to one NFL analyst, it’s Jameis Winston.
Matt Harmon of Yahoo Sports recently released a list of the most logical landing spots for 20 free agents, and he believes Winston donning the orange and navy makes the most sense for both parties.
Amari Cooper ➡️ Broncos
Robby Anderson ➡️ Cardinals
Austin Hooper ➡️ Packers
Jameis Winston ➡️ Bears
Byron Jones ➡️ Texans
AND MORELogical landing spots for 20 NFL free agents:https://t.co/9Mz9S3tv75
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) March 6, 2020
Harmon explains below that Winston may not be the savior the Bears are looking for, but he would bring a new dynamic to the offense.
It’s hard to sell Jameis as a clear upgrade for any of the teams searching for a quarterback this offseason. Perhaps if the quarterback market wasn’t set to be so flush in both the draft and free agency, he would be more of a desirable piece. Alas, he’s found himself in the wrong year. No matter where he goes, he’s going to have to compete for a job. The Bears cannot possibly sell their fanbase on Mitchell Trubisky as the lone option behind center. Winston won’t be their savior either but if Trubisky flops again, he’d at least bring a totally different vibe to the offense.
Winston had one of the most up-and-down seasons in recent memory for a quarterback, throwing for 5,109 yards, 33 touchdowns and 33 interceptions. His passing yards are the eighth-most in a single season in NFL history, while his 30 interceptions are the most for a quarterback since 1988.
While Winston did play through a broken thumb, a torn meniscus and had LASIK surgery to improve his vision, questions remain on if he can cut down on his mistakes to become a true franchise quarterback.
Winston would certainly push Trubisky, however, who did not come close to any of those numbers in 2019 after flashing his potential just one season prior. Just one year removed from a division title, general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy will be more motivated than ever to return to the playoffs with their defensive core still mainly in tact.
Can Winston be the person to push them over the edge? Or would he make the situation worse given his turnover mistakes?
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