Chicago Bears Free Agency sign or pass: Brian Hill
Could the Chicago Bears add a depth running back in free agency like Brian Hill?
The Chicago Bears do not have a true backup to David Montgomery. Tarik Cohen and Cordarelle Patterson are on the depth chart, but are complementary backs and not what Montgomery brings. The Bears should be looking into free agency to find a back that could fill in for Montgomery without taking Patterson and Cohen away from their roles.
Would Brian Hill of the Atlanta Falcons be a potential free agent signing for the Chicago Bears?
Sign
Brian Hill comes in near 220 pounds and has shown power in the NFL running downhill. However, beyond that, he had a better elusive rating and breakaway run rate per PFF. The Chicago Bears saw firsthand what he brings when he had nine rushes for 58 yards and a touchdown on top of a catch for 22 yards.
His between the tackles presence allows Patterson and Cohen to stay in their roles, while still being able to rest or substitute an injured Montgomery.
Pass
Hill has played four NFL seasons and has only topped 20 carries in a game once. Last year was his best year, and one of his best games came against Chicago. It would be recency bias to see Hill run well against your defense and then have the hots for him in free agency. There is a bigger sample that Hill is a fine backup, but may not even be that good.
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Beyond that, while he is serving a backup role, his strong year may have him looking for a cash out chance. The Bears should offer him a low-end backup salary, but should not be spending on backup running backs. If needed, a day three back could be useful as well, so they should put a limit on his salary.