The most disappointing aspect of the Bears offense this season has been the regression of third-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
His continued inconsistency and questionable decision-making is something that has been on national display this season, although he’s far from the only problem on offense. The entire unit has been a colossal failure during a season where they were supposed to take the next step in Matt Nagy’s offense.
But as far as Trubisky goes, his future in Chicago remains in doubt, especially considering how his third season has gone. Prior to this season, there were talks about potentially discussing extending Trubisky this upcoming offseason. But those talks have faded to inaudible whispers.
“Right now there is too much uncertainty to extend him and too much inconsistency,” ESPN NFL front office insider Louis Riddick said.
“I still don’t trust that [his development is] where it needs to be relative to where the expectations are when you are drafted No. 2 overall. It’s definitely not where it needs to be in terms of signing him to a longterm extension.”
The Bears can really learn from how the Los Angeles Rams handled their quarterback situation with Jared Goff. The Rams believed they found their quarterback of the future in Goff, who helped lead Los Angeles to a Super Bowl appearance last season. They rewarded Goff with a four-year extension worth $134 million with $110 million guaranteed, making him the fourth-highest paid QB in the NFL.
“Do the Bears really want to do what the Rams did with Goff?” said ESPN NFL Insider Matt Bowen said. “Look, Goff did help them get to a Super Bowl, but there have been way too many down moments for Goff this year.”
Goff hasn’t lived up to that contract extension this season. His regression is certainly cause for concern. His completion percentage is down two percent, his passer rating plummeted from 101.1 to 84.8 and his touchdown-to-interception ratio has dipped from 32-to-12 in 2018 to 19-to-16 in 2019 with one game remaining. The Rams, who are in a tight situation in terms of salary cap space, might end up regretting the Goff extension.
The Bears have experienced something similar with Trubisky this season. His completion percentage is down from 66.6 to 62.6, his passer rating dipped from 95.4 to 82.9 and after having a top five QBR last season at 71.0, he’s plummeted to 40.0, which ranks 28th in the league.
But unlike the Rams, the Bears haven’t payed Trubisky, and if he ultimately doesn’t pan out after next season — which is possible — they can cut ties with him and save themselves millions.
Yes, the Bears have a decision to make regarding Trubisky’s fifth-year option this offseason, but considering that it’s guaranteed only for injury, it seems but a forgone conclusion.
But the Bears need to bring in some veteran competition for Trubisky this offseason and even draft a quarterback. Because if Trubisky doesn’t pan out, the Bears need to have a contingency plan in place. And if he does, well, everyone wins.
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