Chicago Bears Free Agency: Identifying the best offensive free agents at each position
The Chicago Bears are in need of a running back
The Chicago Bears are down a starting quarterback. David Montgomery has been the starter of the Bears' backfield for the last four years. Now, he is out the door and about to test free agency. He is not the only running back available in free agency though. Plus, the 2023 NFL Draft is also an option for Ryan Poles. Do they take Bijan Robinson at nine for example?
The names that I find interesting who will be available in free agency include:
- David Montgomery
- Miles Sanders
- Devin Singletary
- Jamaal Williams
- James Robinson
David Montgomery has to be the top player on this list. He's familiar with the offense and is one of the better free-agent running backs this offseason. Unfortunately, I feel that he could be paid a much higher salary than what Ryan Poles is willing to give him. Poles has spoken very highly of Montgomery, but rumors are they are about $5 million apart in AAV. That's not going to work.
If Montgomery is willing to take a salary closer to $6 million than $10 million per year, then I think he is the answer. The problem is, I don't believe that he is going to be willing to take that low of an amount when other teams are calling. I love the idea of Miles Sanders, but he's going to see a similar, if not higher salary from someone.
My Bears Choice: James Robinson
This brings me to my pick of James Robinson. I think David Montgomery receives an offer too good to be pass up or he'd be my guy here. Robinson should not cost more than $4 to $5 million per season. Robinson had two very legit seasons in Jacksonville and can be the guy to pair up with Khalil Herbert. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and is a decent enough blocker.