Andy Dalton possibly ends Russell Wilson rumors by signing with Bears

The Chicago Bears will be adding a quarterback, maybe just not the one they wanted. 

For weeks, the Chicago Bears have been the “it” team to land Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson should he be made available for trade. That dream could be over following Tuesday’s news.

The Bears and former Dallas Cowboys/Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton have agreed to terms on a one-year deal. The 33-year-old will join the Windy City staff on a deal worth $10 million. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Dalton was considering heading out west to join Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers. The team currently is under speculation about whether it will keep Jimmy Garoppolo as its quarterback. Instead, Dalton will have a chance to start in Matt Nagy’s system, likely competing against Nick Foles.

Dalton recently played for the Cowboys, going 4-5 as a starter and throwing for 2,170 passing yards and 14 touchdowns against eight interceptions.

Will the Bears no longer pursue Wilson?

Chicago certainly had options available for their starter under center. On Monday, it was reported that the team was nearing a deal with New Orleans Saints star Jameis Winston before he agreed to return to the Bayou. The team was also expected to make a run at veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he signed with Washington late Monday night.

If there’s one thing to take away from Dalton heading to Chicago, it’s that Mitchell Trubisky’s time is over. The former No. 2 pick from the 2017 NFL Draft was considered to be on the shortlist of options for the Bears but ultimately was phased out of Ryan Pace’s plan.

Dalton is serviceable as a quarterback,  but the team still needs to upgrade elsewhere. It was reported that the Bears were interested in signing All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams. As of right now, Pro Bowl wide receiver Allen Robinson will not agree to his franchise tag.

Does Dalton’s status change that tune?

For his career, Dalton has a 74-66-2 record as a starter. He’s thrown for 33,746 yards and 218 career touchdowns. Dalton also has history with Chicago’s office of coordinator Bill Lazor.

This could be the end of the Bears trying to pursue the Seattle quarterback. Crazier things have happened, but this seems pretty cut and dry.