Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears Destined to be Connected this Off-Season
The Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears seem destined to be connected this off-season in more ways than one.
When the Chicago Bears hired former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Bill Lazor earlier this off-season, they solidified a connection between the two franchises.
Bears are quietly looking at QB options.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 20, 2020
Trubisky will still get the shot to be the guy, but much like Titans/Mariota last year, the leash is short.
They'd prefer vet ready-to-play, options. If Raiders were to move on from Carr ($21.5m cap hit vs $7.9 dead) theyd be interested.
Insider Benjamin Allbright suggested that despite claiming Mitchell Tribisky was their quarterback for next season, Bears ownership is looking at bringing in competition for the former second overall pick. Their preferences just so happen to perfectly fit the parameters that Andy Dalton brings.
Combine that with the previously mentioned fact that Bill Lazor is now heading the offensive operation in Chicago, and the reasoning for the two sides to come to the table for trade talk makes sense.
Adding further to the speculation, the Bears recently made two roster moves to clear cap space. They opened up $13.5 million, which could allow them to absorb Dalton’s $17.7 million cap hit.
Dalton accumulated over 3,000 passing yards and 31 touchdowns to just 9 interceptions in just 16 games in Lazor’s system. In other words, the chemistry the two have built could be enough to push the Bears over the top and make a serious postseason run. This evidence could be what the Bengals need to drive up the asking price and get the most in return for the former TCU signal-caller.
Beyond the Andy Dalton to Chicago speculation, however, the fact that the Bears have two intriguing free-agents at the Bengal’s weakest position set to hit the market this off-season, further suggests the two franchises may impact one another.
Danny Trevathan’s stint in the windy city may be coming to a close after four seasons. Due to the fact he’s suffered injuries and the Bears are tight on cap space, they may be willing to let him walk. Thankfully for the Bengals, his veteran leadership, experience, and tremendous ability would be a great addition to a linebacker room that has struggled for years.
If the Bengals can’t secure Trevathan’s services, they may very well target Chicago’s other free agent linebacker, Nick Kwiatkoski. The former fourth-round draft pick has the youth, tackling ability, and fire to help turn things around in Cincinnati. His presence could be the catalyst for the defense returning to its once-dominant ways.
Related Story. Nick Kwiatkoski is the Perfect Free-Agent Target for the Bengals. light
Between the Andy Dalton-Bill Lazor connection, Danny Trevathan, and Nick Kwiatkoski, the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears seem primed to watch their players swap sides before next season rolls around.