Dark-Horse Free Agent The Chicago Bears Should Pursue

Free agency is looming just over a month away, and I’m excited to jump ahead and identify some players I believe the Bears should target this off-season. Currently with the 8th highest available cap space in the NFL, with nearly $47 million in total, the Bears have the potential to climb even higher by making strategic cuts, like parting ways with safety Eddie Jackson and OL Cody Whitehair. While the team has numerous options, I’ve selected one dark horse player whom I genuinely hope the Bears consider signing when March rolls around.

Saquon Barkely to the Windy City

I anticipate facing some resistance for this choice, but at 26 years old, I believe that signing Saquon Barkley this offseason is a risk worth taking. According to PFF, his projected contract is 2 years, with an average of $11 million per year and $15 million guaranteed, totaling $22 million. In my opinion, this is a manageable risk for the Bears. If the team decides to part ways with Justin Fields, they will need another star in the running game, and Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman don’t fulfill that role for me. Saquon brings an electrifying element, and with some improvements to the offensive line, the Bears could even elevate Barkley’s ceiling if he stays healthy. If the Bears keep Fields, having Barkley in the same backfield, coupled with additional weapons on the outside, could propel the Bears offense to new heights.

Despite 2023 being perceived as a down season, Barkley managed to accumulate 1,242 total yards (962 rushing, 280 receiving) amid a wild quarterback rotation in New York. A duo of Khalil Herbert and Saquon Barkley for a rookie QB or even Justin Fields would be extremely valuable. The 2024 running back draft class isn’t that great either, making this option an intriguing and fun consideration for the Bears as they begin a very important off-season.

Just picture a running back group room of Saquon Barkley, Khalil Herbert, and either Roschon Johnson or D’Onta Foreman.

Electric.

Did the Chicago Bears hire Shane Waldron to fix Justin Fields?

In the most recent episode of the BFR Podcast presented by Sports Mockery, Dave and Ficky discuss the latest updates on the Bears hiring new OC Shane Waldron. You can watch the episode by clicking on the video below or listen to it on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.