The Chicago Bears have the third-most salary cap space of any team in the league. That means if GM Ryan Poles wants to take an aggressive approach in free agency, he is free to do so. Most experts believe the Bears will take at least one swing at a notable name next month, with wide receivers, edge rushers, and centers likely getting all the attention. However, last year taught us to expect Poles to do something unanticipated. Nobody saw him signing Tremaine Edmunds to a lucrative deal.
There is a strong possibility he may have another surprise move in mind. The only question is who it will be. Insider Matt Lombardo of Fanbuzz reached out to several NFL coaches and execs about the fascinating crop of running backs set to hit the market. Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Tony Pollard are among the bigger names. All are expected to land with new teams. One of those big names is projected to join the Bears. That is former rushing champion Josh Jacobs.
As the NFL descends on Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, with free agency looming, FanBuzz surveyed several NFL coaches and executives to get their thoughts on each top running back...
..."He's tough, that's for sure," an AFC East Personnel Director tells FanBuzz. "Has contact balance, but the worry is that he's lost a step. Josh is definitely still capable, but there likely isn't a ton of tread left on those tires."
Still, when healthy, Jacobs is arguably a top-five running back in the league and could see a substantial market.
Best Fit: Chicago Bears
Momentum seems to be building towards the Bears selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft. If that's the case, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus owe it to Williams — and the franchise, to surround the young quarterback with game-altering talent.
Jacobs would be a fascinating investment for the Chicago Bears.
He was dominant in 2022, rushing for 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last season was frustrating, as he missed four games with a quad injury and barely topped 800 yards. Much of that had to do with a serious divide between players and head coach Josh McDaniels. Jacobs didn't regain a lot of his old form during his final six appearances before getting hurt. This isn't a case of a player getting too old. He just turned 26. There is every reason to think Jacobs should remain a prime rushing threat for at least two or three more years.
The Chicago Bears haven't had a legitimate feature running back for some time. They've been making it work with various combinations like D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert or David Montgomery and Herbert. Matt Forte was the last player they had who was a genuine star at the position. Projections say acquiring Jacobs will likely cost around $11.5 million per year. That is the same number made by Green Bay Packers star Aaron Jones. While Chicago can afford it, there is no guarantee Poles is prepared to pay that.
Through his first two years on the job, the Bears GM has gone out of his way to avoid investing big resources at running back. Unless Jacobs proves cheaper than expected, that likely won't change.
