Should the Chicago Bears extend Benny Cunningham, or let him walk?
Benny Cunningham played some very useful minutes for the Bears this season. He played a lot on special teams and was virtually the only 3rd down running back the Bears had. Jordan Howard wasn’t the most reliable receiver and Tarik Cohen didn’t learn the entire offense this year (according to John Fox). Sadly, Cunningham’s most memorable play of the season was reaching for the pylon trying to score a touchdown but ended up fumbling out of the end zone.
Stay
Every team can use a Benny Cunningham. He did it all, including stepping up big in the passing game. He’s also a great veteran to have on the team and in the locker room. At the right price I can see the Bears bringing him back. You couldn’t depend on Howard to catch the ball, and you couldn’t depend on Cohen to pick up a block if needed. Cunningham did all of that. He always knew his assignment and was always reliable. Cunningham finished the season with 20 catches for 240 yards and two touchdowns.
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Go
Cunningham’s performance gives the Bears no reason to not consider bringing him back. However, I don’t think the Bears will bring him back. I think the Bears will sign a free agent running back or end up drafting a running back to be the primary backup behind Howard that better fits the scheme Nagy wants to run. I believe Cohen is going to be used all over the field and won’t necessarily be a “running back” anymore. Nagy is going to move Cohen around the field to create the best matchups for him.