Bears Take Up-Close Look at Free-Agent QB Ahead of Week 2
In the much-anticipated NFL debut of Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears offense struggled miserably. The offense never clicked and looked out of sorts all game, finishing with 148 total yards. However, thanks to brilliant defensive and special teams plays, the Bears were able to come away with the win.
The slow start to the season offensively has the team looking for answers. This includes potentially bringing in new faces to bolster the depth. In fact, the Bears had eight players in for a workout on Tuesday, according to Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs. Seven of these players were on the offensive side of the ball, signaling what the front office may be looking for.
Perhaps the most interesting name among that crop is quarterback Gavin Hardison.
NFL News: Bears Work Out QB Gavin Hardison Ahead of Week 2
Hardison is an undrafted free agent out of UTEP who spent the training camp and preseason with the Miami Dolphins. He was waived on July 27 and has been a free agent since. Hardison was only able to appear in five games in his final season at UTEP after having to undergo Tommy John surgery. In his last healthy season, Hardison had 2,044 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, in 10 games, leading the Miners to a 4-6 record.
The Bears currently have Tyson Bagent as their QB2, and Austin Reed as emergency backup on the practice squad. It is not the most inspiring quarterback depth in the league, so it is understandable that GM Ryan Poles would be looking for upgrades.
Whether Hardison is an upgrade remains to be seen. These tryouts are common and ordinary and fans shouldn’t read too much into it. However, the fact that the team is actively looking to make potential roster moves certainly says something.
Bears had 8 players in for a tryout today at Halas Hall, including 4 WRs – Kearis Jackson, Cornelius Johnson, Jordan Kerley and David Wallis. Also included were QB Gavin Hardison, TEs Armani Rogers & Joel Wilson and DB Damarion Williams.
