5 Chicago Bears under the most pressure to perform in 2022
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears Player No. 3 David Montgomery
2022 will be the final year of David Montgomery’s rookie contract, and how he fits in the new offense will play a significant role in what the Bears decide to do with him. Running back has become one of the most polarizing positions in football. Due to short prime and situation dependency, many teams steer away from giving running backs a second contract. Others still believe that establishing the run is essential to a team’s success, and it is important to invest in a good running back.
Montgomery is widely regarded as a middle-of-the-road starter. He has been fairly productive when healthy and does a good job of breaking tackles. But it’s hard to say that Montgomery is irreplaceable on the offense. He has a career average of 3.9 yards a carry and was a less efficient rusher than Khalil Herbert in 2021. It wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if the Bears cut ties with Montgomery following this season.
Regardless of who Montgomery puts on a uniform for in 2023 and beyond, his career trajectory will largely depend on how he performs in 2022. He will be 25 when he hits free agency next March and could potentially take on a starting role elsewhere with a solid 2022 campaign. Running back isn’t a position that gets many second contracts and Montgomery’s next one might be his last. That’s why putting together a stellar 2022 season is so important for him.