We all know the story by now. Russell Wilson says he's open to a trade and makes a list of teams he'd okay a trade to. The Chicago Bears are on that list. Bears fans lose their minds with excitement and start putting together trades in their heads. The Bears and Seattle Seahawks have a meet up. The Seahawks pass on the deal, the Bears sign Andy Dalton. Just like that, the curtains get pulled down on this scene with Bears fans left curling up in the fetal position.
Despite all that, there's a big reason why Andy Dalton signed with Chicago, according to Adam Jahns of The Athletic.
"They told me I was the starter."
— Andy Dalton, Bears QB
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) March 18, 2021
Short sweet and to the point. Andy Dalton says he was told he will be the starter in Chicago.
Now some might say, “Well duh,” but it isn't that simple. The Bears could've said it will be an open competition or that they'll see but he's in the mix. They opted to cut through all that and tell Dalton directly he's the starter.
Some in Chicago are still holding out hope that maybe a Wilson deal can get done and that Dalton would be part of a package going to Seattle. Seems far fetched but who knows.
Others were keeping their fingers crossed that maybe Chicago drafts a quarterback and that there would be an open competition. Could still happen, but apparently Dalton is the guy.
It's a tough scene for Bears fans right now and this quote just pours more salt into the wound. Dalton can't possibly turn out to be as bad as Bears fans have made the situation out to be, but you go from the hopes of Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson and end up with Andy Dalton.