Bears Add Veteran QB Trent Edwards

After seeing third-string quarterback Matt Blanchard go down with an injury last week, the Chicago Bears knew they needed some veteran help at the position as they prepare for the regular season opener, so they went out and got some on Sunday as they signed former Buffalo Bills starter Trent Edwards.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the deal with Edwards is for one-year. The team plans to give Edwards significant playing time in their preseason game against the Oakland Raiders on Friday and will allow him an opportunity to compete for the third-string position against Jordan Palmer, who they signed just a day before on Saturday.

Blanchard’s broken hand will certainly keep him out for a good chunk of time, and since the Bears want to reserve starter Jay Cutler for the last preseason game, they simply needed some extra bodies to take snaps the week before. However, the addition of Edwards also gives the Bears increased depth at the position and some much-needed experience as they get ready for the regular season kickoff.

Edwards appeared in 34 career games for the Bills between 2007 and 2010, starting 32 and winning 14. He spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, but only appeared in one regular season game and completed just two passes. Still, it has to be comforting for the Bears to know that in case of an emergency, they have a reliable and experienced former starter to back up Cutler and Josh McCown.

The move certainly gives the Bears depth and peace of mind, but for a team that has been extremely inconsistent at quarterback in recent years, the addition of Edwards doesn’t solve all of their problems. Statistically, Cutler had a mediocre year in 2012 – with 19 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and a 58.8 completion percentage – but he did go 10-5 on the season. However, in the NFC North – which will easily be one of the league’s toughest divisions once again in 2013 – that type of record may not be good enough to win a title.