The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of free agency, where general manager Ryan Poles will look to shore up some needs on the roster.
The Bears are expected to be interested in wide receiver and running back in free agency, where there are some notable playmakers set to hit the open market. And it sounds like Saquon Barkley, who wasn’t franchise tagged by the New York Giants, could be a target.
According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, the Bears are one of six teams expected to make a run at Barkley during free agency.
Sources view the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles as some primary potential suitors who have the resources, need and interest to possibly sign Barkley.
Running back isn’t a top need for Chicago this offseason, as they still have Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer on the roster. But it sounds like the Bears want to add a dynamic playmaker to the group to make the offense more explosive.
Barkley would certainly fit the bill. He’s been a dynamic playmaker since being the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He’s racked up 7,311 total yards and 47 touchdowns — where he missed most of the 2020 season.
There’s no doubt Barkley would be an upgrade over the likes of Herbert and Johnson. Not to mention, Barkley wouldn’t break the bank, as he’s expected to command in the range of $10-12 million per year. But would the Bears prioritize running back when there are other pressing needs? We’ll have to wait and see.
