Chicago Bears 2023 Free Agency Position Preview: Running Back

When NFL free agency opens up on March 16, the Chicago Bears will be one of the top teams to watch.

Second-year general manager Ryan Poles has a ton of money to work with, and plenty of holes to fill. The Bears may have some money, but they also have a lot of needs.

One of the most intriguing positions to watch in Chicago, during free agency, will be at running back. Of course, fans love David Montgomery, but he’s going to be a topic of conversation, for sure.

Poles didn’t draft Montgomery, and now that he has had a full season in the role, bringing back a player he didn’t draft might not be in his plans. What does running back look like for the team as they head toward free agency?

Free agency will tell us a lot about the Chicago Bears’ plans at running back going forward

Bears free agent running backs in 2023:

David Montgomery

This will be one of the biggest in-house decisions Poles will have to make during the offseason. Montgomery has become a fan favorite, but will Poles re-sign the veteran running back?

Bears running backs under contract in 2023:

Khalil Herbert

Trestan Ebner

The path is there for Khalil Herbert to take over the starting running back position, if Chicago doesn’t bring Montgomery back. And, he is certainly capable of doing so. Herbert is comfortable in the offense and fits it like a glove. Most fans wouldn’t be upset if Herbert took on the lead role, even if Montgomery was brought back as a compliment.

Top free agent running backs in 2023:

Saquon Barkley

Josh Jacobs

Tony Pollard

Miles Sanders

Kareem Hunt

Rashaad Penny

Jamaal Williams

Devin Singletary

Looking at the available running backs in free agency, one could definitely see a path to replacing Montgomery, and even upgrading. As much as that would hurt, just picture Saquon Barkley and Justin Fields in the same back field together for a minute.

Or, consider that Montgomery could end up making anywhere from $7-$10 million annually. Then, think about the Bears signing a guy like Jamaal Williams for half that cost to be their short yardage back behind Herbert. Williams led the league in rushing touchdowns last season, and would come cheaper than Montgomery, funny enough.

Do the Bears ultimately keep Montgomery? That will be one of the early storylines to watch in Chicago. Whether or not they lock him up, and if they do it sooner rather than later, will speak volumes.