Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons Nick Foles wins the quarterback competition

4. The Bears invested a lot for someone not to be a starter

The Chicago Bears gave up their fourth-round compensatory draft pick to acquire Foles. That was notable because the last time the Bears had a compensatory pick was 2009. They finally had one, but they gave it up almost as soon as they received it.

Also, Foles had a huge contract. He signed a four-year, $88 million with the Jaguars in 2019. Jacksonville took on a dead cap hit of $18.75 million, which helped the Bears. Then the Bears and Foles restructured the deal. Even with the restructure, the Bears are on the hook for $21 million in guaranteed money. Foles could be a one-season guy, however, as he has an out in 2021 and 2022.

The Bears aren’t paying as much as first thought for Foles, but it’s still a good amount. Add the compensatory pick and the team spent a good amount to acquire him. For that reason, he’ll get as much of a chance to win the starter’s job as Trubisky. This will be a truly open competition.

There were plenty of other quarterbacks who the Bears could pick up for a cheaper price. Just look at what the New England Patriots did with Cam Newton. Newton signed for a one-year, incentive-laden deal. The Bears felt Foles was the best option for their team. Now he knows that he isn’t just there to push Trubisky. He has a chance to become the starter.