ESPN names Chicago Bears' biggest remaining roster hole ahead of the 2024 season

On Thursday morning, ESPN named the biggest remaining roster hole for each NFL franchise and they went with an underrated need for the Chicago Bears. 

ESPN pointed out that Chicago doesn't have great quarterback depth beyond rookie Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

From ESPN: Caleb Williams is the No. 1 pick and has huge potential. He better live up to it -- and stay healthy -- because the Bears don't have much else to go to if Williams can't play. Tyson Bagent, last year's backup, started four games but played essentially at the replacement level. Brett Rypien was awful in his one start for the Rams last season (130 passing yards and an interception) and wasn't very good in three years for the Broncos before that.

Chicago could definitely stand to improve their quarterback depth. Hopefully for their sake, Williams stays healthy during his rookie season. But good health, of course, isn't a given in the NFL. 

The best option for Chicago would be former Pro Bowl quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is a free agent after spending the last five years of his career with the Tennessee Titans. 

Tannehill will turn 36 years old this offseason -- he's obviously nearing the end of his NFL career. 

At this point, Tannehill's best path to a roster spot in the NFL is as a backup quarterback. He could provide insurance for the Bears in the event that Williams suffers an injury. 

If Tannehill can embrace a "mentor role" at this stage of his career, then he would be the perfect option for the Bears. Even if he doesn't embrace that role, he'd still be a better backup option than what Chicago currently has. 

Outside of Tannehill, there aren't many quality free agent quarterback options available. If the Bears don't want to sign Tannehill, the only way to significantly upgrade the quarterback room would be via a trade.