The Chicago Bears have one of the more unpredictable off-seasons coming in the next month. Everything seems up in the air.
That includes the fate of the coaching staff as well as what they might have planned for the draft and free agency. Often the best way to offer answers to the fans is by projecting possible scenarios how things could go. At least in the context of the information on hand. Specifically the dire need for a quarterback and the perceived rift between coaches Vic Fangio and John Fox. Thus each scenario is centered around solving these problems.
#1: Building the Incubator
Coaching staff: Replace John Fox with Kyle Shanahan
Everybody knows that the Bears are getting ready for a renaissance at the quarterback position. The Jay Cutler era is over. If they plan to go young, then they will need somebody other than Fox to oversee the development process. Something he’s never been able to do in his career. Kyle Shanahan is a keen, experienced offensive mind who has now been groomed by four different coaches with Super Bowl rings. This is a job specially suited for him.
Free Agency: Sign Eric Berry
The idea of hiring Shanahan would be in an effort to prevent defensive coordinator Vic Fangio from leaving. Clearly he has some sort of issue with Fox, thus bringing in somebody else might change his mind. Obviously the Bears don’t want to lose him. Assuming they pull it off, their top priority is to find him playmakers in the secondary. There is a strong possibility Eric Berry could be available in 2017 due to salary cap constrictions in Kansas City. His addition at safety would change the game.
The Draft: Select Mitch Trubisky in 1st round
Some will say the Bears are reaching too much here just to get a quarterback. Many experts don’t believe there is a QB worth going in the top 10. Even so, Mitch Trubisky is likely the only one with the complete skill set to make a case for it. He’s got the size, arms, strength, accuracy and mobility package that teams look for. Yes he’s inexperienced but this is why the Bears hire Shanahan. It’s as good a match as they’re liable to find in 2017.