How the Signing of Jones and Barkley's Franchise Tag May Have Disrupted the Bears' Offseason Plans
The recent news of the New York Giants signing quarterback Daniel Jones to an extension and giving running back Saquon Barkley the Franchise Tag has caused a ripple effect in the offseason, particularly for the Chicago Bears. The Bears were eyeing Barkley as a potential addition to their offense, but with him off the market, they must now look elsewhere to find a playmaker who can add a new dynamic to their team.
While paying free-agent running backs can be risky, Barkley is not like any other running back, and his potential impact on the Bears' offense would have been significant. With Barkley out of the picture, the Bears can now allocate the funds they were planning to spend on him to other areas of their team.
One possibility is to invest in their offensive line, specifically by targeting a right tackle or even a left tackle such as Orlando Brown Jr. Another option is to strengthen their defense by pursuing a defensive tackle like Dre'Mont Jones or a linebacker like Bobby Okereke.
The Bears have plenty of cap space to work with, so there is no shortage of options for them to consider. While losing out on Barkley may have been disappointing, it has opened up opportunities for the Bears to fill other holes and build a more well-rounded team.
With Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, and Josh Jacobs all receiving the franchise tag, David Montgomery is now one of the top free-agent running backs available. There have been rumors of mutual interest between Montgomery and the Chicago Bears for a return, and with the other big names off the market, Montgomery has gained some leverage in contract negotiations.
Montgomery has proven himself to be a reliable and productive back for the Bears, and his strong performance last season has made him an attractive option for other teams as well. With Barkley, Pollard, and Jacobs all receiving significant contracts, Montgomery can now demand a higher salary for his services.
While there are risks involved in paying top dollar for a running back, Montgomery's value to the Bears cannot be overlooked. He has been a consistent contributor to the offense and has shown his ability to carry the team on his back when needed. If the Bears want to build a strong and competitive team, retaining Montgomery should be a top priority.
With the franchise tag off the table, Montgomery now has the opportunity to test the free-agent market and see what other teams are willing to offer. However, the Bears should not let him get away without a fight. Montgomery is a key piece of their offense, and his return would be a major boost to the team's chances next season. It's time for the Bears to step up and secure Montgomery's future in Chicago.
| POLL | ||
9 MARS | 65 ANSWERS How the Signing of Jones and Barkley's Franchise Tag May Have Disrupted the Bears' Offseason Plans Should the Bears bring back David Montgomery? | ||
| Yes | 41 | 63.1 % |
| No | 24 | 36.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
