We look at the free agent options at running back for the Chicago Bears in 2024
The 2023 NFL season is officially in the books with the page now turning to free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft for all 32 franchises. For the second straight offseason, the Chicago Bears will be one of the most intriguing teams to watch as third-year general manager Ryan Poles attempts to overhaul the roster with talent.
Two first-round picks, along with a projected $66M in cap space means Poles has enough resources to get creative when overhauling the roster. Last offseason, Poles second with Chicago, the Bears were active but calculated in spending money, signing a handful of key players that were fresh off rookie contracts.
As the page now turns to year 3 for Poles, the question is, what will the franchise do at the running back position? Chicago did spend a fourth-round pick on Roschon Johnson last offseason after inking veteran D’Onta Foreman to a one-year deal. Veteran Khalil Herbert also played a valuable role throughout the season.
Surface-level analysis would indicate Johnson and Herbert being the Bears running back duo heading into 2024. With new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron now in the fold, there are questions about what Chicago could do in the backfield.
Waldron’s offense, as evidenced by his days in Seattle have always featured explosive running games mixed in with a potent ariel attack in order to keep opposing defenses guessing.
From a free agent perspective, the Bears will have some options at the running back position. Former first-round picks such as Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs will be available, as will veterans such as Derrick Henry, who are looking for their third contract since entering the league in 2016.
Let’s breakdown some of the top running back options on the market and whether or not they make sense for the Bears when free agency opens up on March 11th.
One of the most intriguing names on the market, it’s been a long process for Saquon Barkley to earn another contract. After reports emerged last offseason that he was unwilling to play without a new deal, Barkley reported to Giants training camp.
But after a season that saw New York stumble to the finish line, questions now emerge about what’s next for the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. In the locker room, Barkely’s teammates would love to have him back. But it all runs deeper than the players opinions.
General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll enter their third season at the helm in The Big Apple, leading to questions about Barkley’s future. Being 27 years old, his health will be a primary concern for teams.
Since entering the league in 2018, he’s sustained a torn ACL and dealt with a nagging ankle injury. The former Penn State product has played a full season just twice in his career.
In 2023, he had 14 starts, 962 rushing yards, and six touchdowns while averaging 3.9 yards per carry. While New York’s offense took a step back in 2023, Barkley’s individual dip in production will surely be a factor teams will consider as he looks for a long-term deal.
A player that’s been the heart and soul of the Las Vegas Raiders offense over the last five seasons, a new front office and coaching staff in Las Vegas means everything is looking cloudy for Jacobs, a former first-round pick.
Much like his counterpart Saquon Barkley, Jacobs is looking for a long-term deal and has proven that he can be an asset to any offense. Owner Mark Davis is willing to spend money if it means turning his team into a contender but not everything is so simple.
Despite playing the 2023 season on a one-year deal worth $12M, Jacobs has already experienced enough of the cat-and-mouse game that tends to be contract negotiating. Las Vegas placed the franchise tag on the former Alabama product last offseason but he’s set to hit the open market now, leading to questions about his next destination.
When the Raiders and Bears met in week 7 of the 2023 regular season, Jacobs didn’t exactly put on a clinic, rushing just 11 times for 35 yards. But throughout his career, he’s shown the ability to be incredibly productive, totaling 5545 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
Of all the projected free agent running backs, it’s likely that Jacobs is the one who lands the biggest contract.
A second-round pick of the Tennesee Titans in 2016, Henry grabbed the microphone and stood at midfield following the Titans week 18 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars and thanked fans, knowing there was a possibility he might not be back in Nashville next season.
With the Titans bringing in a new coaching staff this offseason, a fresh start seems to be on the horizon for Henry. He’s proven to be one of the most dynamic runners in the game over the last few years, making life hard on opposing defenses.
But there’s a lot to factor in when it comes to Henry and his next landing spot. It’s clear that he’ll want a place where he can thrive and potentially win a championship. Being 30 years old, this could likely be his final contract in the league so beyond just getting paid, he’ll look to maximize every opportunity that he can in order to truly make the most of what remains of his career.
To be clear, this isn’t to say that Henry is on the wrong side of 30 years and only has a little gas left in the tank. He can still be a really productive player who thrives, especially on a team that’s ready to win now.
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