Chicago Bears Options To Replace Jay Cutler In 2015
By Erik Lambert
Jay Cutler looks like he may be done with the Chicago Bears. If that is so, who can the team replace him with in 2015?
Free Agency
Ryan Mallett
The unfortunate situation with Ryan Mallett was that he never really had a chance to get himself going with the Houston Texans before he got hurt. New England traded him there during the season and after spending some time on the bench was ready to finally get his shot. In just his second game he tore his pectoral muscle. He’s just 26 and has plenty of time and talent left in him worth exploring.
Brian Hoyer
It wasn’t an enviable situation for Brian Hoyer out in Cleveland. He had a chance to become the full-time starter but the constant pressure of knowing one mistake might land him on the bench in favor of 1st round pick Johnny Manziel proved too much to shrug off, as it would for most players. Still, Hoyer is a good leader and locker room guy who has shown he can direct an offense efficiently and is only 29-years old.
Austin Davis
A second-year quarterback, Austin Davis was thrust into the spotlight back in Week 1 when veteran Sean Hill became the second St. Louis Rams quarterback to go down with injury. Davis was forced to step up despite limited preparation time and actually played really well through the first seven weeks, posting 9 touchdowns and just four interceptions. A swoon during midseason and Hill getting healthy ended his run however.
Trade
Jimmy Garoppolo
One thing teams often like to do is draft quarterbacks in hopes of flipping them later on for higher value picks. The New England Patriots may have done that when they took Jimmy Garoppolo in the 2nd round this past May. It can be argued the Eastern Illinois product is the heir apparent to Tom Brady but there are no signs the future Hall of Famer is fading nor has any plans to retire. So that makes Garoppolo a possibility. The fact he’s an Illinois-native is great PR for the Bears, though it may cost them a 1st round pick to get him.
A.J. McCarron
A somewhat cheaper but no less intriguing name Chicago may want to explore is former Alabama star A.J. McCarron. The kid who led the Crimson Tide to back-to-back national titles has a lot going for him. He’s big, smart, a definite leader on the field, confident in his ability and a proven winner who plays his best in big games. Scouts accuse him of being a game manager but the Bears have had great success with those types before.
NFL Draft
Jameis Winston
As things stand the Bears currently hold the 9th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. That gives them an opportunity to take a crack at getting a top rookie quarterback coming out of college. One name they are within reach of is Jameis Winston. The Florida State product has all the physical tools of a future pro, good leadership qualities and hasn’t lost a game yet in college. There are risks with his off-the-field history and immaturity problems but the potential payoff would be huge.
Brett Hundley
If the Chicago Bears choose to wait until later in the draft, they might want to look at UCLA standout Brett Hundley. Scouts worry about his ability to read defenses quickly and operate at NFL speed but his experience in a pro offense coupled with outstanding physical ability makes him a high upside selection they could get on Day 2.
Garrett Grayson
Not every good quarterback comes from the powerhouse conferences like the SEC, ACC and Pac-12. Many have come from less notable programs but still stoodout because of their individual ability. Garrett Grayson is becoming one of those types. Despite playing for Colorado State, not a traditional CFB power, he has built a reputation as one of the best passers in the nation. He has good size, a strong and accurate delivery and by all accounts is down-to-earth and a leader to his teammates.