Bears Declare Andy Dalton 'QB1,' Irking Some Fans

Andy Dalton isn't exactly the quarterback Chicago fans envisioned to replace Mitchell Trubisky.

Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports

The Mitchell Trubisky era in Chicago mercifully came to an end this offseason, leaving Bears fans salivating over a potential upgrade at quarterback.

Some Bears fans dreamed of a long-shot trade for Dak Prescott or Deshaun Watson. Others zeroed in on a potential deal for Russell Wilson, which reportedly came fairly close to fruition in recent weeks. So who did Chicago end up with in free agency to replace Trubisky? None other than former Bengals legend Andy Dalton. 

We shouldn't be so quick to dismiss Dalton's credentials. He's thrown for 33,764 passing yards and 218 touchdowns in 142 career starts, reaching the playoffs four times. Yet it's hard not to feel at least a bit underwhelmed by Chicago's decision. So when the Bears tabbed Dalton as their "QB1" on Twitter, there was some understandable frustration from the Chicago faithful. 

QB1. pic.twitter.com/TuyrAcpoCM

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 25, 2021

There’s no way the #Bears’ social media manger isn’t trolling. https://t.co/UotBC5rntU

— David Chasanov (@DavidChasanov) March 25, 2021

These fools really went out and made the dumbest decision and proudly announced it to the world 😂 https://t.co/iQamxEdF6i

— Newt Skywalker (@ShawneeBoy23) March 25, 2021

I respect them leaving this tweet up https://t.co/ktlPEZweY0

— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) March 25, 2021

I am not in the correct head space to be trolled by the Bears tonight. Positive Vibes Only https://t.co/7I4NW2BbyT

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) March 25, 2021

Perhaps Dalton will prove Bears fans wrong in 2021, though it's fair to understand their skepticism regarding the quarterback position. Rex Grossman was the Bears' starting quarterback the last time they reached the Super Bowl. Jay Cutler is their most recent franchise QB. For now, it seems as though Dalton will be just the latest quarterback in Chicago's seemingly-endless cycle.