Bear Goggles On
Fansided

Chicgao Bears Stay or Go: Benny Cunningham

By Nicholas Buono

LAKE FOREST, IL - JANUARY 09: New Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Halas Hall on January 9, 2018 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, IL - JANUARY 09: New Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Halas Hall on January 9, 2018 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

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.

More from Bear Goggles On

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.

Home/Chicago Bears Free Agency