GM Ryan Pace has earned a reputation for operating somewhat oddly when it comes to running back. It looked like Jeremy Langford was the heir apparent to Matt Forte. Then he drafted Jordan Howard and that plan was nixed. Then the Chicago Bears traded Howard after he helped lead them to the playoffs and drafted David Montgomery.
Yet the oddest sequence was saved for this offseason. While nobody disputes Montgomery is the starter, what the Bears have done behind him is another story. Tarik Cohen remains the #2 guy but one who is in the final year of his contract. Beyond him, it gets even murkier. Ryan Nall is penciled as the #3 but he’s taken exceedingly few snaps in the NFL.
Then there are two undrafted free agents behind him. Or there were. The Bears’ already questionable depth became even thinner when they decided to part ways with rookie Napoleon Maxwell. At the same time, they activated Artavis Pierce of the reserve/COVID-19 list. This leaves the team with just four running backs on the roster. Two of them with little to no NFL experience.
It feels like the Chicago Bears could have another move planned
Why is this significant? Namely, because around this time last year, the Bears were carrying six running backs on the roster. So four is considerably lighter than normal for them. Pace insisted in his recent press conference the team likes the players they have. Then again whatever he says to the media must always be taken with a grain of salt.
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It’s possible another corresponding move is coming at some point in the near future. The running back market still has plenty of notable names including some quality veterans. Given the Bears’ oldest back is Cohen at 25-years old? It might make sense to add a bit more seasoning. Then again maybe they’re just that confident in this young group.
It is just weird.