Marcus Mariota rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency
By Jon Dove
2. Chicago Bears
Things in Chicago are playing out slowly when it comes to the quarterback position. Bears general manager Ryan Pace has publicly said that Mitch Trubisky is the team’s starting quarterback. However, the team has yet to make a decision on his fifth-year option.
Chicago obviously wants to give Trubisky the opportunity to live up to expectations, but also sees its championship window closing. The Bears defense is absolutely a Super-Bowl caliber unit. They have playmakers at every level, but eventually that unit will start to decline.
Mariota would give Trubisky some realistic competition. It would also provide someone to turn to if Trubisky has a poor start to the season.
The appeal for Mariota would be the chance to work with a strong offensive coach in Matt Nagy and compete for a starting job. Despite Pace’s attachment to Trubisky, this is still a solid opportunity. If Mariota is able to unseat Trubisky, he’ll have some major leverage in future contract negotiations.
Chicago has some solid offensive weapons for Mariota to work with. Allen Robinson is a real difference-maker and Anthony Miller showed his potential at the end of last year. They also have an all-around playmaker in Tarik Cohen.