Here are 3 of the best free agent options for the Chicgao Bears at Running Back
The Chicago Bears will either re-sign David Montgomery or add a new running back in free agency or the draft. While many fans want the team to make a big splash, the reality is that they need a complementary back to Khalil Herbert more than they need a do-everything type of runner.
Some of the biggest traits that David Montgomery brought to highlight Herbert were the ability to move the chains in short-yardage situations, be a reliable pass catcher, and pass blocker. The question is less about how much the team can spend to replace him and more about how they can get that skill set at a cheaper rate than Montgomery, who may get paid like a do-everything back.
Jamaal Williams: If the Chicago Bears spend on a running back, it should not even be David Montgomery; it should be Jamaal Williams. Okay, that is a little hyperbolic because Jamaal Williams will probably not get a deal as big as Montgomery. Montgomery can do a little bit more than Williams, but Williams can do everything Chicago needs.
Khalil Herbert is a big play waiting to happen. They do not want to get him injured pounding him between the tackles, and he is much better on stretch zone rushes anyways. So, Jamaal Williams can come in as the power back who grinds between the tackles. No one was better near the goal line and converting those third and shorts.
Beyond that, he is a great pass protector, which is where Herbert struggles. Jamaal Williams signed for $3M per year last year, and his projected salary is around $4M this year. The Chicago Bears could throw him a few extra and lock him in for $6M, and that is still less than almost any projection for Montgomery by a decent bit. For the role and the money, this is how the Chicago Bears need to invest in a running back.
Alexander Mattison: Alexander Mattison could easily be a diamond in the rough. Anytime he gets a chance to shine, he does. However, he is the backup to Dalvin Cook, so while he has had a chance or two, he also is an unknown.
He could see the Chicago Bears losing David Montgomery and realize a lot of touches just opened up. He could sign with the team at a reasonable deal, hope to blow up next to Justin Fields, and then really cash in the following year.
As far as a scheme fit, it is perfect. Coming out of the NFL draft, we compared David Montgomery to Alexander Mattison often, and it appeared as though Mattison was just the poor man's version of Montgomery. They had similar skill sets, but one went to Iowa State and made Big 12 highlights, while Mattison was at Boise State.
Mattison went in the same round just about 30 picks after Montgomery went. He just happened to be behind Dalvin Cook, while it took Montgomery one week to beat out Mike Davis. If they are in different roles, is Mattison about to get paid, while Montgomery is the sleeper that the Bears should sign?
Samaje Perine: Quietly an underlying storyline from the Bengals' playoff run was that they were giving Samaje Perine more playing time than Joe Mixon. What was the reason? You guessed it, pass protection. Without the healthy offensive line in Cincy, they needed Perine to take some big hits in the A-gap, and he delivered.
If Perine is a good enough complement to Joe Mixon, he could be more than that with Khalil Herbert. Still, he brings the punch that Herbert lacks, both in pass protection and near the goal line. Perine is also a great pass catcher. He hauled in 38 passes for 287 yards last season.
| POLL | ||
19 FEVRIER | 191 ANSWERS Here are 3 of the best free agent options for the Chicgao Bears at Running Back Which player would you prefer at running back? | ||
| Samaje Perine | 35 | 18.3 % |
| Alexander Mattison | 22 | 11.5 % |
| David Montgomery | 95 | 49.7 % |
| Jamal Williams | 39 | 20.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
