The Chicago Bears are very aware that they need a quality backup for Jay Cutler. While Cutler is locked into the Windy City for the next seven years, his injury history makes the backup quarterback role very important. After Josh McCown opted to head to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in favor of being a starting quarterback, could a former Buccaneer be headed to the Bears?
According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, the Bears are bringing in Josh Freeman for a workout in an effort to sign a quality backup quarterback for next season. A backup job is really all that Freeman can hope for in 2014. The quarterback lost his starting job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was released at the start of last season. The former first-round pick then signed with the Minnesota Vikings where he started one game and completed just 20-of-53 passes against the New York Giants. He never played again.
As of now, the Bears have Jerrod Johnson and Jordan Palmer as their backup quarterbacks. Neither player will be able to duplicate what McCown did while filling in for Cutler. He raised his stock filling in for the starter last season and earned a starting job because of it. Cutler will get injured at some point this season. He has only played a full season a handful of times in his career.
Chicago would be a solid fit for Freeman next season. The quarterback is trying to rebuild his career and reputation. Working with quarterback guru and Bears head coach Marc Trestman would really do wonders for Freeman. It is almost guaranteed that the quarterback will see the field at some point which could make him the next McCown at some point.
The Bears have also taken interest in the NFL Draft to fill the backup quarterback role. Chicago has taken interest in both AJ McCarron and Aaron Murray as a late-round option in May. Both quarterbacks are traditional pocket passers with great accuracy and arm strength. They would both excel in the offensive system Trestman runs. Having a similar skillset to Cutler would make it easy for them to step in when needed.
