Bears 2016 Free Agent Options: Running Back
The Bears have officially moved on from Matt Forte and will likely be handing the job to 2nd year player Jeremy Langford. It’s not guaranteed though as there are a couple of young running backs with upside available in free agency who who could give Langford a run for the starting gig.
Most likely the Bears will starting the 2016 season with Langford as the primary running back, but the Bears also have question marks at the backup RB position. 3rd year player Ka’Deem Carey is the favorite for the back-up job after a surprising season in 2015 where he showed the ability to break tackles and convert short-yardage plays.
Jacquizz Rodgers and Senorise Perry could be back in 2016 as well and in the back-up RB mix, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bears brought in a veteran RB as depth and maybe a rookie as well. If the Bears decide to go the free agent route, I”ve listed a few players below who could be targets.
Click the links below for my free agent breakdowns at other positions, Bears position previews, and draft rankings.
Bears free agent options: QB | DL
Bears position previews: QB | DL | RB
Bears Potential RB Targets
*The list below isn’t a pure ranking of RB free agent as I’ve left off players that I don’t see much chance of the Bears signing (Martin, Ivory). I’ve broke the list down into three parts: top-tier (play-makers), mid-tier (starting caliber), and bottom tier (potential bargains).
Play-makers
*I don’t think the Bears will sign an expensive free-agent running back, but if they do, this is the guy I think they should go for.
Lamar Miller, Dolphins – For some reason the Dolphins were hesitant to give Miller a full workload over the last two seasons (12 carries per game), despite averaging 4.8 YPC and scoring 16 touchdowns. Miller is only 24 and could be a feature back for the next few seasons. He’s also a quality receiver out of the backfield with 85 catches over the last two seasons and should be a relative bargain considering team’s reluctance to pay running backs. My guess is that the Bears could get Miller for about $4-$5 million per year.
Matt Forte – It still hurts.