Chicago Bears: Do Not Forget About Quarterback Connor Shaw
The Chicago Bears have plenty of interesting quarterback options this off season, but let’s not forget about Connor Shaw.
The Chicago Bears have an extremely busy off season ahead of them. They have many holes throughout their entire roster, but nothing is more important than figuring out the quarterback position.
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Whether the Bears swing a trade for Jimmy Garoppolo or A.J. McCarron, make a move in free agency or add a quarterback in the draft, they simply must address the position. Another year of Jay Cutler just will not do. That being said, finding a franchise quarterback is not easy.
The New England Patriots really do not seem excited about trading Garoppolo, the free agent quarterback crop is weak and there are plenty of questions about all of the draft prospects. Ryan Pace and company certainly have their work cut out for themselves.
In a perfect world, the Chicago Bears would find a sure-fire franchise signal caller this off season. However, it is not that easy. If their first couple of options do not work out, it is important to keep Connor Shaw in their thoughts.
The Bears re-signed Shaw to a one-year contract on Saturday. He did not see any time for the team in 2016 after suffering a major broken leg in the preseason. That being said, Shaw was an absolute beast for the Bears prior to the injury.
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Last preseason, Shaw showed great play-making ability from the quarterback position. He did a great job of making plays outside of the pocket and throwing accurately on the run. A majority of Shaw’s success did come against third-string defenses in the preseason, but he certainly passed the eye test.
Listed at 6-0, 206 pounds, Shaw certainly does not have ideal size for the quarterback position. His arm strength is also just average, but Shaw does get enough juice on his ball to make any NFL throw.
I am not saying that he is a perfect quarterback who the Bears should immediately hitch themselves to. But I am saying that he is an accurate and mobile quarterback who showed some flashes prior to his injury last season. He is a guy who at least deserves another look.
Shaw should not hold the Chicago Bears back from making any moves at the quarterback position. However, at only 25-years-old, he certainly has some long-term appeal. If the Bears miss out on their top options, I would not hate to see them bring in a veteran like Brian Hoyer and have him and Shaw fight it out in Training Camp.
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This may not be the most exciting option, but it is a low-cost move that would bring some nice upside. Shaw is certainly not a sure-fire franchise quarterback, but he has the skills and leadership qualities that you typically like to see at the position. You never know what an accurate passer with great drive can become.