Mitch Trubisky on Bears’ free-agent splurge: ‘We’re in a perfect situation to really emerge’

Mitch Trubisky is the sun in the Bears’ solar system. General manager Ryan Pace made that perfectly clear Jan. 1 when he openly challenged himself to surround the franchise quarterback with talent.

Trubisky then watched Pace hire Matt Nagy, a former Arena League quarterback, to be the coach. And, last week, he saw Pace restock the Bears’ arsenal of pass catchers during a free-agent splurge that included two wide receivers and a tight end.

All the while, Trubisky has processed the undeniable fact that he is the driving force behind everything the Bears are doing. And he has come to fully embrace it.

“It’s very exciting, and I can’t be more thankful for the situation I ended up in, especially with Ryan Pace running the show and really believing in me, this organization and the other guys we have,” Trubisky said Sunday in an interview.

“We did really well in free agency. We have to get a couple of other guys back healthy. But I just feel like we’re in a perfect situation to really emerge and have a great year this year.”

Trubisky’s comments comprised his first extended interview with an independent media outlet since his rookie season ended. In the 11 weeks since, he has been emboldened by Pace’s strategy to stabilize the organization with a quarterback-centric identity.

After the Bears traded up to draft Trubisky second overall last April, he was slotted as the third quarterback on the depth chart — a rookie striving to earn respect at Halas Hall. Now, after starting the final 12 games last season, he welcomes this new dynamic and is eager to start the offseason program in early April.

“It just means that I have more responsibility,” Trubisky said. “Everyone is looking toward me. I need to be the leader day in and day out — and I will be. I’m excited for that challenge, and I’m excited to continue to earn the trust of my teammates.

“And my teammates have told me that, too. They know we’re all in this together, and I have their backs. It’s not me being possessive. It’s: ‘I’m a leader and this is our team, and it’s all about the Chicago Bears and this great organization.’ I couldn’t be more excited. I feel like I learned a lot from last year that’s going to help carry over into this year. Obviously, one person can’t do it alone.”

Trubisky indicated he doesn’t sense any extraordinary challenges in having the team built to maximize his performance. He will approach his second season focusing on his immediate work.

“I think more short term just memorizing the playbook, building chemistry with the new guys and mastering this offense,” he said. “Everything else long term will take care of itself.

“I have big expectations and big plans for this team. I’m going to have a bunch of help with these new guys coming in, with Nagy and his staff. We’ve just got a lot of offensive wisdom that came into the building. So I’m very fortunate.”

Fortunate, also, to be the benefactor of Pace’s aggressive approach in free agency.

The 23-year-old quarterback smiled when asked what he believes receivers Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel and tight end Trey Burton will add to the offense.

“Allen — big frame, proven receiver, great route runner. Will go up and get it. I just have to give him a chance. I’m excited about that. I’ll maybe close my eyes a couple times and throw his way,” he said with a laugh.

“Trey Burton — very versatile receiver. Great route runner. Very reliable hands.

“Taylor Gabriel — a quick guy. Just have to get the ball in his hands, he’ll make plays for you. And he’s going to take the top off and hopefully make guys pay when they’re playing tight on us. Just get him the ball and let him work.

“From what I’ve heard, these guys are ready to work. Great personalities, great people and the type of guys we need in the locker room just to motivate everyone else and get this organization continue headed in the right direction. So I’m excited to work with them.”

Trubisky spoke in Rosemont at the Chicago Sports Spectacular, where he signed autographs and posed for photos as part of a promotional appearance in conjunction with Fanatics, the online sports retailer.

Trubisky signed for more than two hours before the serpentine line of ticket-holders finally made its way through. He kept his promotional appearances to a minimum as a rookie. Sunday was one of the first times he has been in public to interact with fans as the Bears established starting quarterback.

“It’s crazy and also very flattering that people would just take time out of their day to come out and say hi to me, get something signed,” he said. “It’s awesome to see the excitement. It motivates me that people are putting a lot of faith and hope in what I bring to the table and what the Chicago Bears bring to the city.”

rcampbell@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Rich_Campbell

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