The Chicago Bears have decided to decline their fifth-year option for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky for the 2021 season, meaning that their former first round draft pick is set to become a free agent after the upcoming season.
Trubisky was drafted with the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of North Carolina, a decision that surprised many in the wake of a solid college career that wasn’t spectacular. The Bears, however, loved Trubisky’s physical tools and thought that he would become a productive pro.
The 25-year-old has seen mixed results during his first three seasons in the Windy City, starting 41 games and passing for 48 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.
After a 2018 season which saw Trubisky break out, throwing for 3,223 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, he regressed in 2019. The signal caller’s passer rating fell precipitously from 95.4 to 83.0 and he had trouble finding a rhythm with his pass catchers.
Chicago added veteran quarterback Nick Foles in a trade on March 31st, a move that brought in a player who is expected to push Trubisky for the starting job.
No matter what happens in 2020, however, it seems as if the Bears plan to move on from their once-prized prospect and go in a different direction at the position.
