The Chicago Bears lost what could have been their most important asset on the roster. Josh McCown, the reliable backup to Jay Cutler, has headed south to earn a starting spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Cutler often injured at least once a season, a quality backup is essential to the Chicago Bears' success. With the NFL Draft approaching, which quarterbacks could the Bears target for depth.
Cutler is not going anywhere. The quarterback signed a seven-year, $126 million deal to remain with the Bears. However, behind Cutler there is not much talent. Jordan Palmer is back with the team as is Jerrod Johnson, but neither quarterback measures up to the numbers that McCown put up filling in for Cutler last season. With head coach Marc Trestman putting a lot of emphasis on the quarterback position, the Bears will draft a late-round option. Who could be the best available?
Chicago could easily draft AJ McCarron in the fourth round or so. The quarterback comes NFL ready after working in a pro-style offense at Alabama. He possesses similar traits to Cutler being a pure pocket passer with limited speed and agility outside the pocket, but has enough to get by. Many draft experts believe that McCarron could thrive under the direction of Trestman and would easily fill in for Cutler if need be.
Aaron Murray could be the next best option for the Bears. The former Georgia star has dropped off the radar after tearing his ACL late in the season. Unable to work out at the combine or at his Pro Day, Murray is riding under the radar leading into the draft. However, some believe Murray could be the hidden gem of the of the draft with his accuracy and decision making. He is another kind of quarterback that Trestman would love to get his hands on and build behind Cutler.
Both McCarron and Murray would be solid replacements to McCown. Of Cutler's nine years in the NFL, he has only ever played a full season three times. Last year, he managed 11 games after suffering various injuries. McCown stepped in and kept the Bears afloat and in playoff contention. Chicago needs a backup that can do the same and after missing out on every free agent, the draft is the next best option.
