Could The Bears Be In The Market For A Premier RB?
Going into next season the Chicago Bears have three running backs under contract with Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, and Travis Homer. So, while it isn't a position that has a glaring major need you can never have too many playmakers in the backfield.
If all reports are true, it appears that Chicago is serious about signing a game-changing running back through free agency. With stars like Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, and Austin Ekeler headlining one of the deepest running back free agent markets in recent history, this is a great year to be big game hunting at running back.
So who exactly does Chicago have their sights set on? Let's get into who has been linked to the Bears.
Saquon Barkley
According to Pat Leonard of the New York Times the Bears are one of the six teams who have been linked to Barkley.
While Barkley has been one of the league's best running backs his health has been a major concern. Since his time in the league, he has suffered a thigh hamstring sprain/pull (2018), pedal ankle sprain (2019), knee ACL tear(2020), knee MCL sprain (2020), pedal ankle sprain (2021), cervical neck stinger (2022), and a pedal ankle sprain (2023).
We have seen in the past Ryan Poles not sign players who have injury concerns, so I highly doubt we'll see Saquon in the dark navy and orange next season.
Josh Jacobs
On ESPN 1000's the Chicago Bears Podcast gameday sideline reporter Jason McKie that the Bears and Jacobs have mutual interest.
Jacobs is two years removed from leading the NFL in rushing yards where he ran for 1,653 yards and added 12 scores. Jacobs is a three down back that brings a skillset that isn't currently on this Bears' roster. He can take a handoff 80 yards to the house, he can be used in short yardage situations, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield.
Giving which ever quarterback the Bears decide to move forward with having a running back you know that is a game changer behind you is a big deal.
Austin Ekeler
According to multiple different betting sites the Bears are one of the most likely teams.
Ekeler isn't just a runner, but he is a receiving threat out of the backfield as well. Ekeler has amassed over 3,884 receiving yards in his career and averaging 554 yards through the air per season.
Whether the quarterback is Justin Fields or Caleb Williams having a veteran pass catcher out of the backfield makes life as a quarterback easier.
Final Thoughts
Will the Bears actually go big game hunting for a running back? We'll see. While it is a massive risk to pay a running back big-time money Ryan Poles and the Bears brass seems to think that it's important to have a difference maker in the backfield.
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