Chicago Bears: 5 Likely Scenarios After 2016 Season Ends
By Erik Lambert
The speculation is already running rampant around the Chicago Bears regarding what their plans will be for the 2017 off-season.
First, second and maybe even third on the agenda? What will they do about quarterback Jay Cutler and head coach John Fox? Most agree movement of some kind is needed at one or both of those positions. What exactly those moves should be have been a major topic of debate. There are a number of ways the Bears could go. Predicting them is pointless, but figuring out the possibilities isn’t.
This will be an exploration of five potential scenarios that Chicago can choose to go with this coming off-season. Each of them bring certain benefits, drawbacks and realities to the organization that must be considered carefully.
Scenario #1: Jay Cutler cut/traded and John Fox retained
Right now this feels like the most credible scenario at present time. Several writers with close ties to the Bears including Dan Pompei have said they have a hard time believing John Fox will be fired in 2017. For one they know constantly changing coaches is never a recipe for success but also they’re still paying Marc Trestman from when they fired him last year. Ownership probably isn’t eager to dump his contract this quickly. Allow him one more chance to get it right.
On the flip side there are other strong rumors that Fox is anxious to move on at quarterback. He may have denied the questions but there were whispers that he’s “done” with Cutler. The only reason he went back to the veteran was out of necessity after Brian Hoyer got hurt. He understands the importance of the quarterback position and likely feels this ship can get back on course if he just figures that problem out. In other words a trade or high draft choice.