Chicago Bears 2017 Position Battles: Who will be the third quarterback?

When the Chicago Bears gave Mike Glennon $18.5 million guaranteed, that pretty much sealed his fate to head into camp as the clear cut #1 QB on the roster. When they moved up in the 2017 NFL Draft to take Mitchell Trubisky, that penciled him in as the clear cut starter in waiting. When Trubisky will make the ascension to #1 is anybody’s guess, but for right now, they are 1-2 respectively when thinking big picture. But as of right now, general manager Ryan Pace revealed that Mark Sanchez will open up as the teams #2 quarterback.

The unofficial depth chart may read, Glennon (1), Sanchez (2), but don’t believe for a moment that Sanchez is a lock to make the opening day 53 man roster.

Roster Locks

Glennon and Trubisky are no-braininers, but after them there will be a battle. Two years ago the Bears opened the season with three QBs, and last year they only opened up with two. I think the inexperience of Trubisky will lead to Chicago definitely opening up with a third at the position in 2017.

Sanchez’s experience gives him the inside track, but he’ll still have to perform on the field. Remember last year before Sanchez signed with the Dallas Cowboys, he was cut by the Denver Broncos when second year player Trevor Siemian won the starting job, and rookie Paxton Lynch won the #2QB role.

A good bet to make it

I think the fact that the Bears released Connor Shaw earlier this year (only to rescind the waiver when Sanchez was hurt) means that they are confident that Mark Sanchez will be their third quarterback, but anything can happen in training camp and the preseason.

Another injury could open the door for Shaw, and a shaky preseason could open the door for Shaw. Don’t forget, the Bears claimed Shaw last year, in part, because of his familiarity working with offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. Sanchez may bring a veteran presence, but if he’s outplayed byh Shaw these next several weeks, it would not surprise me to see the Bears go with Shaw.

On the bubble

Shaw has to hope has can have a great camp to beat out Sanchez, but a great camp by Trubisky could help Shaw out as well. The theory is that Sanchez is needed as insurance because Trubisky isn’t ready, but if the rookie proves a quick study, the Bears can keep their best three quarterbacks.

What are your thoughts on the Bears’ QB depth chart?