Chicago Bears: 4 quarterback options linked to DeFilippo, Lazor
By Ryan Heckman
Jeff Driskel, via free agency
This isn’t a sexy option, but Jeff Driskel is a free agent this offseason and, like Dalton, has a connection to Lazor. Driskel came into the NFL as a sixth round pick in 2018. The former Florida Gator and Louisiana Tech Bulldog was originally selected by the San Francisco 49ers, but ended up being cut before getting a chance to make an impact.
He then signed with the Cincinnati Bengals to become their third quarterback. Driskel ended up as the Bengals’ primary backup starting in 2018, and got his chance to shine after Dalton was lost for the season in Week 12 of that year.
Over five games that year, Driskel passed for 1,003 yards, six touchdowns and four picks in his first real NFL action.
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This past season, Driskel was a member of the Detroit Lions as their backup quarterback. He did end up starting three games in place of an injured Matthew Stafford and threw for 683 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.
An interesting aspect of Driskel’s game is his ability to run. Coming out of college, he ran a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash. Over his short NFL career, he has run for 281 yards and three scores. In his three games this past season, Driskel averaged more than 50 yards rushing per game — a very strong number from a quarterback.
In Chicago, he would be no more than just a backup. However, he would come cheap. Driskel wouldn’t be the “answer” to the quarterback position like fans are hoping for. But, he does come with a connection to Lazor.