(670 The Score) The Bears will move into the 2021 season with veteran Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback, general manager Ryan Pace confirmed Friday morning.
Pace reiterated what Dalton said in his media session after he signed a one-year, $10-million deal with Chicago in March.
"That's how we see Andy Dalton, as a starting quarterback, and we're excited to have him," Pace said.
"He's our starting quarterback as we head into this season."
The Bears had a quarterback void after allowing Mitchell Trubisky to become an unrestricted free agent. The No. 2 overall pick in 2017, Trubisky joined the Bills on a one-year deal.
Dalton, 33, played for the Cowboys in 2020, serving as their backup before moving into the starting role when star Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury. Dalton threw for 2,170 yards, 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions while posting an 87.3 quarterback rating in 11 games, which included nine starts.
In signing Dalton and allowing Trubisky to walk, the Bears are "improving" their quarterback position, Pace said.
"He's one of the most complete quarterbacks that we evaluated this year in free agency, and we're excited to have him," Pace said.
Veteran quarterback Nick Foles, who started seven games for the Bears in 2020, will be Dalton's backup. Pace suggested the experience at Chicago's quarterback position "does bode well for a young quarterback to enter the room.”
The Bears hold the No. 20 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.