The Bears Wire Podcast

Whether it’s a trade for Russell Wilson or Jimmy Garoppolo, or some other blockbuster move during the draft, Bears fans can’t help but fight the idea of Andy Dalton as their team’s starting QB in 2021. Host Ryan O’Leary and Bears Wire editor Alyssa Barbieri tackle the latest rumors and hypothetical trade proposals — even if they know some sort of bridge season with Andy Dalton at the helm is inevitable. Also, what the latest mock drafts are saying about the Bears at pick No. 20.

It was another long week in the life of a Bears fan. First, the team signed veteran QB Andy Dalton — who promptly announced himself as the starter during his introductory press conference. Then, the Bears released Pro Bowl cornerback and fan favorite Kyle Fuller, who was promptly swept up by the Denver Broncos. Bears Wire editor Alyssa Barbieri, with host Ryan O’Leary, discuss all the latest free agency drama.

For weeks, Bears fans have been holding out hope that their team would find a way to strike a deal for star QB Russell Wilson. Those hopes came crashing down with the team changing course and signing veteran Andy Dalton to a one-year deal. Bears Wire Editor Alyssa Barbieri joins host Ryan O’Leary to share her opinions on what is shaping up to be another frustrating offseason for the Bears.

There have been no reports of new long-term contract negotiations between the Bears and star WR Allen Robinson since last September. That didn’t stop the team from placing its franchise tag on Robinson to keep him from testing free agency. Bears Wire editor Alyssa Barbieri, with host Ryan O’Leary, discuss the Robinson situation, and why the Bears could be the frontrunners to land Russell Wilson if Seattle loses its mind and trades him.

In the return of the Bears Wire Podcast for the 2021 season, host Ryan O’Leary and Bears Wire editor Alyssa Barbieri react to head coach Matt Nagy’s latest presser, dream of an alternate reality where GM Ryan Pace pulls off a blockbuster trade for QB Russell Wilson, and await the fireworks that could come with Chicago placing the franchise tag on Allen Robinson.

In the 2020 season finale, Bears Wire editor Alyssa Barbieri and host Ryan O’Leary look ahead to an offseason full of uncertainty. Will QB Mitchell Trubisky be back, and why would he even want to? Should the Bears fight to keep Allen Robinson? How comfortable should coach Matt Nagy and GM Ryan Pace be after that disappointing finish, and what could this team be thinking at pick No. 20 of the 2021 NFL Draft? All that and more on the 20th and final episode of the 2020 season. (We’ll see you in March!). The Bears Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with sports betting advice for the NFL playoffs from the Sportsbook Wire.

The Bears are bound for the playoffs, but what does that really mean for the immediate future of the franchise? Are the 8-8 Bears headed for more mediocrity in 2021 if GM Ryan Pace, head coach Matt Nagy, and even quarterback Mitchell Trubisky all return in their normal roles? Host Ryan O’Leary and Bears Wire editor Alyssa Barbieri tackle some big-picture topics, and gauge the Bears’ chances of upsetting the Saints in the wild-card round. Episode 19 of the Bears Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with sports betting advice for the NFL playoffs from the Sportsbook Wire.

One of the great underdog stories of the 2020 season, the Bears have earned a shot to become just the third team since the NFL-AFL merger to make the playoffs despite losing six consecutive games. The Bears can clinch their spot with a win over their arch nemesis — the first-place Green Bay Packers — at Soldier Field. Cue Herb Brooks’ speech before Team USA’s game against the Russians in the movie ‘Miracle.’ Host Ryan O’Leary and Bears Wire editor Alyssa Barbieri discuss the team’s chances at shocking the Packers, and what a playoff berth would mean for the futures of guys like Trubisky, head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace. Episode 18 of the Bears Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with a fantasy segment from The Huddle and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire.

The Bears aren’t done after all. Behind back-to-back wins and a suddenly humming offense, the Bears have climbed to 7-7 and sit just one game out of the NFC’s final playoff spot. Host Ryan O’Leary and Bears Wire editor Alyssa Barbieri take a look at the playoff picture, and the three teams Bears fans should be rooting for in Week 16. They also discuss some crazy stats that illustrate how much better the offense has played over the past three weeks. Episode 17 of the Bears Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with a fantasy segment from The Huddle and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire.

It’s finally over. The Bears snapped a six-game losing streak with a blowout win over the Texans. At 6-7, the Bears are still mathematically alive in the NFC playoff picture. But will a strong finish be too little, too late for head coach Matt Nagy and GM Ryan Pace to convince ownership that they deserve to return in 2021? Host Ryan O’Leary and Bears Wire editor Alyssa Barbieri tackle that topic, along with Allen Robinson’s chances of making the Pro Bowl and returning to the Bears long term. Episode 16 of the Bears Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with a fantasy segment from The Huddle and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire.