The Chicago Bears missed out on David Montgomery, but by all intents and purposes, they showed little to no interest in him returning. They pivoted to Travis Homer, who may be more of a replacement than some realize.
Khalil Herbert is going to play a lot more, and Homer happens to fill the big weakness of Herbert in pass protection by that being his great strength. The two actually do play well off of each other. However, one thing that Montgomery brings which neither of them can replicate is the short-yardage gains. Neither has the size or power to push the pile.
Still, the team has to be thinking that between Homer, and another runner they can get a little pass protection and a little power at a lower cost. So, these will not be the best names on the board, but the best fits for the Chicago Bears.
3. Is Mark Ingram a fit with the Chicago Bears?
This is not quite what Ryan Poles is known to do when you consider Mark Ingram is 33 years old. However, when they are signing someone to a lower-end deal to be a part of a running back by committee, perhaps one of the names can be older.
It would be nice to have the veteran presence of a former first-round pick who is entering his 12th NFL season for Khalil Herbert and Travis Homer to see how he goes about his business. Taking those guys under his wing would be great, but beyond that, his role fits exactly what Chicago needs.
He has been in a running back committee before. No one has ever mistaken him for a pass catcher, or a big play hitter, so he is not stepping into Homer or Herbert. However, he brings the power punch and has for his entire career. He would immediately be the best between-the-tackles grinder and could get them that yard or two needed.
Ingram will not have a strong market, and when you consider the fit makes a lot of sense you could see the Bears showing some interest soon.