https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/blog/ct-brad-biggs-bears-mailbag-20160824-story.html

Article is a Q&A with Brad Biggs, who is the Chicago Tribune reporter who covers the Bears. Basically, Shaw is the better option to keep as a backup QB, but they've already invested a lot in Hoyer.
- If they Keep Hoyer and cut Shaw, they have to pay Hoyer $2M total ($1.25M more than he has if he would be cut) and Shaw can be waived or go to the practice squad at no penalty.
- If they Keep Shaw and cut Hoyer, Hoyer gets $250K (they already gave him $500K) and they have to pay Shaw $450K. So $700K all in.
- So actually, it appears that Shaw is the better value. He's performing better than Hoyer in the preseason camp and games. If the Bears are willing to just write off the $500K they already gave him, b/c there's nothing they can do to change that signing bonus, then this seems like an easy decision.

quote:

After watching Brian Hoyer through two games, I think he is truly broken after last year's playoff implosion. Could he be cut? — @steveoatms

The team could release Hoyer before the season, but it would come at a cost. The Bears signed the veteran to a $2 million, one-year contract, and he received a $500,000 signing bonus guaranteeing $250,000 of his $1.5 million base salary. So Hoyer would get a $750,000 parting gift from the organization if he were cut. Hoyer has not looked good in exhibition games, which is a little disappointing given his familiarity with offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and the playbook. Would Hoyer look better playing with the starters? No question. He looked pretty sharp in practice Tuesday at Halas Hall, and hopefully for the team that carries over into Saturday’s exhibition game against the Chiefs

quote:

I hope Connor Shaw gets more of a chance. I believe he's a better fit than Brian Hoyer. More mobile. What are your thoughts? — @hal_reid

No question Shaw is more mobile than Hoyer, and a lot of football folks will tell you good mobility is a quality they seek in a No. 2 quarterback. The offense isn’t going to run as smoothly with the backup running the show, and when plays break down, a quarterback with the ability to make plays with his legs becomes an asset. Shaw has an idea of what offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains wants to do. Keep in mind: A lot of the players Shaw has made plays against in the two exhibition games will be out of work soon — cuts are coming. Hoyer has a clear edge in experience, and the Bears have some money invested in him.