Why? A little thing called the compensatory pick formula. If the Bears had held onto Davis, then they would’ve missed out on a possible 4th round compensatory pick thanks to the loss of Adrian Amos in free agency. By releasing Davis before the deadline that year, they were able to shift the formula back in their favor. They received the pick and eventually traded it to Jacksonville for Nick Foles.
This is where Dalton comes in. Keep in mind by signing him, the Bears cancelled out their chances at a future 5th round pick due to the loss of Roy Robertson-Harris. As of right now, Chicago has just five picks in the 2022 draft. So any chance to add more might sound appealing. A release of Dalton before this year’s deadline would likely regain that 5th rounder and only cost Chicago $2.5 million in dead money. They could then shift to Fields as the starter with Foles as the primary backup.
Regardless of how we feel about the signing, Dalton is, or at least was supposed to be, the starter this year. Pace and Dalton agreed on a contract and now it's up to both to honor that commitment. Releasing him would not only be disrespectful to Dalton, it would also send a horrible message to the rest of the league. Future FAs wouldn't trust our front office.
But what about all the fans who bought a Bears Andy Dalton jersey?
They would contact that guy, so no problem. He reportedly still has his Bears Nick Foles jersey so no worries.
So they contacted me. I said no, I'm keeping it. It's a one of a kind after all. It'll be stored in a dry cleaner sack, in an atmosphere-controlled room, right alongside my Brandon Lloyd and Jason Campbell jerseys. They'll all be worth a fortune someday. When the polyester supply runs out.
Regardless of how we feel about the signing, Dalton is, or at least was supposed to be, the starter this year. Pace and Dalton agreed on a contract and now it's up to both to honor that commitment. Releasing him would not only be disrespectful to Dalton, it would also send a horrible message to the rest of the league. Future FAs wouldn't trust our front office.
This isn't the way you treat professionals.
I don't think it would hurt in the long term. Sure, players would think twice, but it's a business and, if the team is winning, FAs won't care. Dalton was aware of the Fields pick and he is aware, if Fields out preforms him in camp, anything is possible with his Bears future.
There's many things still to play out and lots of "ifs". I don't think it's likely, but interesting to think about. I like Dalton and think he'll be relatively successful in his time with the Bears, albeit that time looks to be short.