Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears: Another Possible QB Trade Target Emerging

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws a pass in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears are now officially one of the worst teams in the NFL. Eyes have already shifted towards 2017 with one question above all on their minds.

What will they do at quarterback? After eight seasons it looks like patience finally ran out on Jay Cutler. For the seventh-season in a row the veteran is missing time with an injury. The efficient form he showed in 2015 that produced  a career-best 92.3 quarterback rating seems long gone. He’s back to looking indecisive, taking too many hits and turning the ball over at the worst possible times. At age 33 his best days appear behind him.

GM Ryan Pace has yet to draft his own quarterback since taking over last season. Part of that was due to confidence in Cutler, but also a lack of viable options to replace him. With the Bears 0-3 and looking like the worst team in football, that could be set to change. Chicago hasn’t held a top five pick since 2005. Given recent projections there is a strong chance they might have a shot at a quality quarterback next April.

Then again the Bears haven’t held the #1 pick since 1947 or the #2 pick since 1951. Odds are they’ll find a way to win enough games to take themselves out of the running, but still not matter. This might be why more fans are open to the idea of Pace trading for his quarterback instead. The 2017 off-season looks like it could be flush with some intriguing options. Headlining the class is Jimmy Garoppolo, a third-year player in New England. He looked very effective in relief of the suspended Tom Brady through the first two weeks. Being an Illinois native and coming from Eastern Illinois college, the same as Pace, it almost seems like fate.

He may no longer be alone at the top though. Another name might be sliding onto the market.

Sep 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) carries the ball as he attempts a two point conversion against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Broncos won 29-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

When the Denver Broncos traded up in the 1st round of the 2016 draft for Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch, they did it with purpose. Team president John Elway liked the kid and felt he could have a bright future in Denver. After losing Peyton Manning to retirement and Brock Osweiler to free agency, it was a move that had to happen. At the time the Broncos felt they didn’t have a quarterback that could keep them in the Super Bowl picture.

That perception seems to have changed. Head coach Gary Kubiak was a big fan of Trevor Siemian when he came out in the draft last year. That and Lynch’s own inexperience is what convinced him to give the young man the job to start this season. Expectations were limited of course. Most believed Siemian would just keep the seat warm until Lynch was ready. They never expected what they’ve gotten lately.

For Siemian to cut up a playoff team like the Bengals in just his third career start? That seems to validate what Kubiak sees in him. It might also be the first step in him seizing control of the starting job long-term in Denver. Crazy as that sounds. If that’s the case then Elway will have an interesting decision to make. Does he hang on to Lynch another year in case Siemian is a one-year fluke? Or does he try to get some of the picks he lost back in a trade?

If it’s the latter option then the Chicago Bears definitely should be considered a prime candidate. The team did meet with the rookie prior to the draft. That reflects at least a little interest.

Questions will be asked about whether it’s a wise move. Would Lynch be an upgrade over the quarterbacks coming out in 2017. Based on his scouting reports and the fact Elway, a Hall of Fame QB traded up to get him, there is reason to think that is the case.

There are still 13 games left in the season. A lot of different things can happen for both Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears. Provided things don’t change too much though, there is a possibility that Lynch could be made available next off-season. Depending on where the Bears end up drafting, that’s a deal they would at least have to consider.

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