Chicago Bears Overreaction: Ryan Pace Eyeing New QB?

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace is notorious for always thinking ahead to where he can find the next piece to the puzzle for making his team a champion.

It’s absolutely inadvisable for people to read too much into what a GM says in a press conference or seems to be doing in a photograph. Still it’s always interesting to speculate because there is always the chance, however slight, that it could turn out true. Normally Pace isn’t one of those guys who presents such opportunities, but that changed during the third and final joint practice between the Bears and New England Patriots before their week two preseason game.

It came when he was photographed by Chicago Tribune columnist Brad Biggs striking up a conversation with Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Now it’s important to take the logical view here first. There is nothing wrong with a GM wanting to talk to a young quarterback, especially Garoppolo. Why? Well for one the two graduated from the same school. They are alums of Eastern Illinois University. Then there is the fact that Garoppolo will get his first opportunity to start in the NFL this year, by way of the four-game suspension levied against Tom Brady. Any football fan loves to see young players finally get their opportunity. Odds are that is exactly what they’re talking about.

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Then the conspiracy theorist takes over. Pace is not dumb. He’s always thinking about different avenues and has his own ideas about upgrading the roster. Publicly the man has not wavered one bit in his support of quarterback Jay Cutler, with good reason. The man played reasonably well in 2015, have the most efficient season of his career. Even so, it’s too soon to say that Cutler has earned enough trust to be considered the long-term option.

Just over 3,600 yards passing with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions are average numbers these days. In fairness Cutler did it behind a mediocre offensive line with most of his best receivers hurt. Still, it’s important to remember Pace has seen quarterback greatness up close. He watched Drew Brees over in New Orleans for eight years. There is no doubt if Cutler can’t improve upon what he did last year with those weapons healthy, there is a real chance that the young GM might start looking for a quarterback of his own choosing.

Don’t forget he inherited Cutler. That means something, whether people want to admit it or not.

Odds are the Chicago Bears won’t be in a position to draft one very high next year. Predictions have them somewhere between 7-9 and 10-6. That could push them out of the top 10. Not the best territory for finding a future franchise quarterback. So the next option would be maybe trading for one, and there is no doubt Jimmy Garoppolo is the hot name to watch. He was a highly touted player coming out in 2014 when the Patriots selected him in the 2nd round.

Mike Mayock had this to say about him.

"“This kid’s got a quick release, good arm and is very athletic. Tom Brady, at his age, and Ryan Mallett’s uncertain status forces this pick. This is an insurance policy for an unknown future. He’s an interesting quarterback. He makes every throw. The feet and quick release are what stand out.”"

Initial impressions from experts who have been watching the Patriots practice the past couple weeks came away surprised at how far he’s progressed. His rhythm, timing, and accuracy have improved over the course of training camp and into preseason. There is no doubt that if he plays well during the month he’ll be the starter, there is a strong chance at least one or two teams might try to swing a deal for him next year.

Perhaps Pace and the Bears might be one of them. After all, they know playing in Chicago is a dream Garoppolo has held onto since he was a kid.

There is still a long few months before any of this becomes a real topic of conversation. It will be moot if Jay Cutler plays well this year. Also there’s the distinct possibility that the Patriots have no plans to trade Garoppolo at all. Don’t forget Tom Brady will be 40-years old next August. So it’s probably best to let the speculation simmer for the time being.