Chicago Bears: Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy allowed to rebuild?

Entering the offseason, the idea was that Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy were in a “win-or-else” mode in regards to keeping their current positions with the team.

Initially, it appeared that Pace and Nagy were operating with that ultimatum. The Bears were leaving no stone unturned in their search to resolve the quarterback position. They swung big for a trade of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. An acquisition of Wilson likely would have cooled the seats of both Pace and Nagy.

However, in the aftermath of their missed attempt for Wilson, it appears that Pace and Nagy may be safer than originally speculated.

The first piece of evidence that Pace and Nagy may be safe beyond the 2021 season is what occurred in January. While speaking during the end of season press conference, neither Bears’ chairman George McCaskey nor team president Ted Phillips commented on the current length of contracts for Pace and Nagy.

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The lack of comment from McCaskey or Phillips fueled speculation that Pace secretly received a one-year contact extension that extends his contract through the 2022 season and links him directly to Nagy. If that is the case, then it is entirely plausible the Pace and Nagy convinced McCaskey and Phillips on a two-year rebuilding plan.

Looking at the Bears’ moves this past week through the microscope that Pace and Nagy are safe beyond the 2021 season, then it starts to make sense. Why else would the Bears immediately sign Andy Dalton after missing out on Wilson when they already have Nick Foles in place. Why else would the Bears cut Kyle Fuller instead of Jimmy Graham or Charles Leno; or, restructuring the contracts of Robert Quinn or Danny Trevathan. Why else would the team be willing to allow Akiem Hicks to seek a trade?

These are not the moves that are made by a general manager and head coach that know their jobs are line. The fear is that there is no check and balance system above Pace. Pace is admittedly the Bears’ “football guy”. And with Pace having a family like relationship with the McCaskey family, it is not entirely crazy to believe that he convinced them of a two-year plan.

If that is the case, the Bears are doomed. The reason the Bears are on the edge of rebuilding are because of Pace’s grotesque mistakes. Mistakes that have obliterated the Bears’ salary cap flexibility. Pace covers his previous mistakes with another mistake. That is why he should not be allowed to lead the Bears through another rebuild because that would inevitably lead to another rebuild to correct the previous rebuild. Folks, the Chicago Bears are doomed.