The Chicago Bears and free-agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater have begun talks for a deal, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reports.

Bridgewater reportedly could receive a contract worth around $21 million per season and would presumably challenge Mitchell Trubisky for the starting job.

However, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports it's unlikely that Bridgewater ultimately lands in Chicago as the Bears have alternative options at quarterback.

The 27-year-old spent the last two seasons with the New Orleans Saints acting as the backup to Drew Brees. Bridgewater started five games in 2019 after Brees was sidelined with a thumb injury.

Bridgewater significantly boosted his value with strong performances, leading the Saints to five straight wins while throwing for 1,384 yards and nine touchdowns to two interceptions.

It was his first extended action since suffering a career-threatening knee injury in 2016 while with the Minnesota Vikings.

Meanwhile, Trubisky struggled throughout the 2019 campaign, prompting speculation that his position as the starter might be in jeopardy despite the Bears publically committing to him for 2020.

The former No. 2 pick ranked 28th in passer rating, 30th in touchdown percentage, and 21st in passing yards.