Chicago Bears Now Favorites To Land Top Free Agent

Something important is happening over in the Big Apple. The New York Giants find themselves in a challenging spot. They're hoping to retain both quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley before the start of free agency. It makes sense. The two were instrumental to the team's surprise playoff run this past season. However, reports of Jones' high contract demands ($45 million per year) are stalling extension talks. This may force the Giants to franchise tag him. That means unless they can work out an extension with Barkley, which doesn't appear likely, then he will hit the open market. Enter the Chicago Bears.

Sports Betting, a top online betting website, released odds on where Barkley could end up if he does become available. The Bears stand atop the list at +400, ahead of Buffalo, Denver, and Kansas City.

This isn't a huge surprise. Chicago has the most cap space in the NFL. They can afford to spend at running back if they wish. Their offense is built around their running game, having finished #1 in the league last year. The idea of pairing a world-class athlete like Barkley with a world-class athlete like Justin Fields has to sound somewhat appealing to GM Ryan Poles.

The Chicago Bears aren't going to throw the bag at Barkley.

Initial rumors are that the two-time Pro Bowler wants money in the proximity of Christian McCaffrey's $16 million per year. That doesn't sound like something Poles would consider. He doesn't view running back as a premium position, so throwing money there is irresponsible. Now if Barkley were willing to accept something closer to $12 million, that might be more appetizing. The Bears can easily afford it, and Barkley would be a significant talent upgrade over David Montgomery, who himself is a free agent.

Be honest. The only reason Barkley would sign with the Chicago Bears is if they offered him the most money. There aren't any other incentives to do so from his point of view. With Poles as the GM, the odds of him forking over the necessary cash seems unlikely. Not when there are far more important positions that need attention. Early indicators suggest offensive tackle and defensive tackle will be big focal points when the market opens. Maybe they circle back to Barkley if his price comes down.