FRISCO – Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel has transitioned to media, bringing his football knowledge to FS1. But his latest take involving Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy has left many scratching their heads.

Daniel floated the idea that McCarthy, described as a “free agent” after this season, might reject a contract extension from the Cowboys to take over the Chicago Bears’ head coaching vacancy. While provocative, this theory is riddled with inaccuracies and leaps in logic.

Daniel’s Take

Daniel speculated:
“People don’t realize that Mike McCarthy is actually a free agent and can sign anywhere … Are we sure he wants to go back to Dallas? The Chicago Bears should be lurking around … It may sound crazy, but hear me out.

He knows the division well. He develops QBs almost better than anyone. He’s a leader.”

Debunking the Theory

Let’s break down the claims:

1. “McCarthy is a free agent and can sign anywhere.”
   Not quite. While McCarthy’s contract status may be up for negotiation, the idea that he can simply “sign anywhere” overlooks the intricacies of NFL contracts and team dynamics. “People don’t realize” this, Daniel says. But the only “people” unaware might be those who don’t follow sports closely.
2. “Are we sure he wants to go back to Dallas?”
   Speculation about McCarthy’s future in Dallas isn’t groundbreaking. Coaches often weigh opportunities, and McCarthy has a nomadic coaching history, with eight stops in 18 years before landing with the Packers, and Dallas as his ninth. However, McCarthy has spent five years with the Cowboys, owns two homes in the area, and has built a life in North Texas with his family. These factors suggest he might lean toward staying.
3. “He knows the NFC North well.”
   McCarthy coached the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North for 13 seasons, but he’s now been in the NFC East for five years. Claiming he “knows the division well” feels like a stretch when his last NFC North experience was seven years ago.
4. “He develops QBs almost better than anyone.”
   McCarthy’s reputation for working with quarterbacks is solid, but Daniel’s claim needs more than soundbites to back it up. And his comparison of Bears rookie Caleb Williams to Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is puzzling.

   Before McCarthy arrived in Dallas, Prescott had already demonstrated significant talent. In 2019, under Jason Garrett, Prescott threw for 4,902 yards with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. As a rookie in 2016, Prescott recorded 3,667 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and led Dallas to a 13-3 record. McCarthy has undoubtedly helped Prescott, but the idea that he “made” Dak dismisses the quarterback’s already impressive résumé.

5. “McCarthy is a leader.”
   True, but this generic observation doesn’t connect to the idea of him leaving Dallas for Chicago.

The Real Situation

The truth is, McCarthy’s future with the Cowboys remains undetermined, as Jones and McCarthy haven’t engaged in serious contract discussions yet. Speculating about a potential move is premature, especially when it involves a jump to the Bears, a franchise with its own challenges.

Conclusion

Daniel’s theory might make for engaging TV, but it’s more sizzle than substance. McCarthy’s decisions will likely hinge on practical considerations—family, contract terms, and professional goals—not the speculation of media personalities.

While Chase Daniel’s transition to media is admirable, this “hot take” serves as a reminder: sometimes, less is more when it comes to NFL speculation.