Chicago Bears Listed As Destination For Top Free Agent
The Chicago Bears have more money to spend in free agency than any team by a wide margin. That means GM Ryan Poles can afford to get a little aggressive if he feels it will help his team win more games in 2023. Initial projections indicate he will focus on what he deems the “premium” positions. Those are the defensive line, offensive line, cornerback, and wide receivers. All happen to be needs for the Bears in one form or another. It comes down to how much money Poles will throw at them.
Common NFL logic says one position you never pay is running back. While they can be so valuable to an offense, the reality is they break down faster than any in the league and aren’t difficult to replace. Still, some have a level of talent that might be worth investing in. The 49ers proved that when they traded for Christian McCaffrey. That might be why the Bears should consider signing one of the top free agents this year. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report thinks Saquon Barkley is the one to watch.
“With a projected market value of $11.9 million annually, Barkley won’t be cheap. However, he could provide a lot for a team with a young quarterback, such as the Chicago Bears.
Chicago has a promising signal-caller in Justin Fields, but it hasn’t done a great job of surrounding him with talent. Barkley could aid Fields on the ground and provide an elite outlet in the passing game. Chicago also happens to lead the league in projected cap space and could lose starting back David Montgomery in free agency.
Potential Suitors: Chicago Bears“
Chicago Bears seem keen on retaining David Montgomery.
Poles expressed deep admiration for the former 3rd round pick and feels he exemplifies everything he looks for in a player. Montgomery is a free agent as well this spring. The critical thing to remember here is that he won’t be as expensive as Barkley. Not even close. Yet the Bears still had the #1 rushing attack in the NFL with him and Khalil Herbert as the primary running backs. It doesn’t make sense to throw money at what would likely be a minor upgrade in Barkley when it can be applied to positions of far greater need.
Granted, the Giants star is a better receiving threat and credible blocker in pass protection. Still, it feels like a luxury move from the Chicago Bears’ perspective. Poles said it’s about the value and making sound decisions. It doesn’t sound like he plans to throw money around in hopes it will solve all his problems. He will be meticulous and purposeful in his approach. While adding Barkley would be interesting, it doesn’t feel like something that would truly move the needle for this team right now.