Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Did the Bears consider signing Colin Kaepernick? And what role do you think the negative publicity he garnered last year for kneeling during the national anthem played in that decision?
Phil S.
Benton Harbor, Michigan
Yes, the Bears considered all options at the all-important quarterback position—including Colin Kaepernick—before signing Mike Glennon, Mark Sanchez and Connor Shaw. Asked Tuesday at the NFL meetings in Phoenix if the Bears were interested in Kaepernick, general manager Ryan Pace said: "We looked at every single quarterback that was available. To us, it just came down to the skill sets we value. That was us personally evaluating his skill set." Listening to Pace, it sounded like it was simply a football decision and nothing more. Pace added: "When you're looking at these quarterbacks, it's so thorough. You're watching every single snap and how they fit into your offense, how they fit into your quarterback room. That's what we talked about with Sanchez, and I like the way our guys all kind of fit together right now."
When's the next time the Bears are due to play the Raiders on the road? Never really needed an excuse to go to Las Vegas, but it would be fun to see the Bears play there!
Dennis P.
Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Based on the current NFL schedule rotation, the next time the Bears are slated to play the Raiders on the road is 2019. But that game may not take place in Las Vegas. Although Raiders owner Mark Davis gained approval from his NFL counterparts this week to move his team to Las Vegas, he indicated that he'll consider keeping the Raiders in Oakland through the 2019 season.
Are the Bears going to practice with another team in training camp this summer?
Steve K.
East Lansing, Michigan
Coach John Fox told reporters Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings that the Bears have decided not to conduct joint practices with another team as they have done in his first two seasons at the helm. The Bears traveled to work with the Colts in 2015 and the Patriots in 2016, both times leading up to the second preseason game. It appears the Bears will again play their second preseason contest away from home, but they won't spend the entire week on the road. Said Fox: "If you travel to work against somebody, you're uprooting, you're getting out of routine, you're getting out of your recovery system. If you don't have to do it, avoid it."
