The Chicago Bears have come out swinging during the first week of the offseason. Firing and hiring coaches within one day of each other, and restructuring one of their top defenders while locking up another in a long-term deal, all taking place within a matter of days.
Still, the big question looming is what will the team do at the quarterback position? Will they stick with starter Mitchell Trubisky following a lackluster 2019 season, or work to find someone who can push him either via free agency or the draft? While that question still remains to be seen, his current backup may have shed some light on what’s in store this offseason when it comes to his own situation.
Free agent quarterback Chase Daniel, finishing his second season in the Windy City after appearing in three games in 2019, joined ESPN 1000’s Waddle and Silvy show on Friday afternoon to discuss the season, coach Matt Nagy, Trubisky, and more. When asked if he expects to be back in Chicago, Daniel stated his desire to return, but will do what’s in the best interest of his family.
“Would I love to be back in Chicago? Absolutely,” Daniel said. “I love Matt (Nagy), I love Mitch (Trubisky), I love the scheme…everything about the city we’re in love with. But I will keep my options open of course, what’s in the best interest of my family.”
Daniel continued, saying he feels great from a physical standpoint and believes he can play for a long time.
“Honestly, I’m 33, I feel like I’m in the prime of my career right now,” Daniel said. “I feel like I’m playing some of the best ball. My body feels the best it’s been. I feel like I still have a really long career ahead of me.”
Translation: Daniel would like to stay in Chicago, but at his price. He’s finishing a two-year, $10 million deal that paid him $6 million last season, the second-highest salary for a backup quarterback in the NFL behind New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
It’s unlikely Bears general manager Ryan Pace will once again commit that kind of money to Daniel, who is coming off a season in which he threw 435 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions over the course of three games in relief of Trubisky due to injury, including going 0-1 in his lone start against the Oakland Raiders.
At this point, the Bears know who Daniel is; a capable backup quarterback who can keep the ship afloat if called upon for a limited period of time. He was fine as the Bears backup, but with continued uncertainty surrounding Trubisky, Pace and the front office may opt for someone who can push the fourth-year pro instead of just serving as a de facto coach.
The answer will come soon enough as the 2020 NFL season officially begins March 18.
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