Another press conference, another chance for Bears general manager Ryan Pace to reaffirm his belief in quarterback Mitchell Trubisky by exercising his fifth-year option. And another time where Pace pushed it aside.
While Pace has until May 4 to exercise Trubisky’s option, the fact that Pace has been shying away from it since the end-of-year press conference doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
During his pre-draft press conference on Tuesday, Pace again bypassed the question about Trubisky’s fifth-year option, insisting that he still has time before he needs to make that decision.
Bears GM Ryan Pace again bypasses the question of QB Mitch Trubisky's 5th-year option for 2021. Has until May 4 to exercise it.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) April 21, 2020
While Pace does have time before making the decision, that time is running out. And it’s not looking good for Trubisky.
Keep in mind the Bears exercised outside linebacker Leonard Floyd’s fifth-year option last year — and Pace was clear from the start that it was going to happen. One year later, and Floyd is now with the Rams.
In sports, actions certainly speak louder than words. And Bears management has been clear in their stance regarding Trubisky — they’re ready to move on. That’s why they went out and traded a fourth-round pick for quarterback Nick Foles. That’s why Pace continues to dodge the question about Trubisky’s option until the deadline passes.
While Trubisky will get another chance to prove his worth in Chicago, all signs point towards his exit following the 2020 season. Sure, the offense’s inefficiencies ran deeper than quarterback last season. But Trubisky hasn’t lived up to the expectations of a former No. 2 overall pick — much like many of Pace’s former first-rounders.
Of course, things could change if Trubisky goes out and shocks everyone in besting Foles in the Bears’ open quarterback competition and becomes the player Pace thought he had drafted.
But those are very big “ifs,” and not necessarily worthy of garnering a fifth-year option. Although, Trubisky’s fifth-year option is guaranteed only for injury. So if they chose to exercise Trubisky’s option in 2020, they could bow out the following offseason if he doesn’t pan out.
Still, all actions at this point are indicative of the Bears passing on Trubisky’s fifth-year option, which presents an interesting scenario at quarterback for the Bears beyond 2020.
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