The NFL offseason is in full swing as teams are in Indianapolis for the Scouting Combine this weekend, as the new league year begins in less than two weeks. With the new year comes free agency, and the Chicago Bears have the third most cap space to spend on potential free agents. Although fans and analysts are extensively obsessed with Chicago’s quarterback position, general manager Ryan Poles could sign one of the league’s best running backs, Josh Jacobs, as a potential deal could pay massive dividends in 2024.
Signing Jacobs Would Be A Signing That Would Shock Many Yet Make Total Sense
With free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft coming up over the next few months, one of the positions that may not be a glaring concern for Chicago’s roster but could still addressed is the running back position. Despite the Bears having Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson at the position, due to the immense depth of talent in this year’s free agency class, Poles could look to solidify the position with a potential Pro Bowl talent. Both Herbert and Johnson showed flashes in 2023, but neither player could remain consistent throughout the season.
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Although Herbert has been an explosive runner when healthy, injuries have been a significant issue for the running back, as he has missed four or more games in back-to-back seasons. Johnson, despite proving valuable as a pass-blocker and having several impressive runs his rookie season, had several games where he was ineffective. The Bears can be content with the backs they have now, but there are legitimate concerns at the position, given the 2023 results.
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Jacobs has been one of the league’s best running backs over the past five seasons with the Los Vegas Raiders since joining the NFL in 2019. The free agent back has recorded three 1,000-yard rushing campaigns while being named an All-Pro, along with being named to the Pro Bowl twice. Jacobs would be an ideal fit for Chicago, given what the team is trying to do in 2024.
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It has been almost seven years since the last time the Bears had a perennial 1,000-yard rusher at the running back position, as David Montgomery was the last to eclipse the mark in 2019. Former Bears starter Jordan Howard rushed for over 2,500 yards in his first two seasons in the league and ran for over 1,000 yards in 2016 and 2017. An elite level of production would be highly beneficial for Chicago’s offense, especially with how dominant the team’s defense played to finish the season.
Signing Jacobs would be similar to when Chicago signed defensive end Robert Quinn in 2020. Although there were significant needs on the offensive side of the ball, the Bears signed Quinn to the shock of many due to how dominant the defense was over the past two seasons. Many suddenly realized the value of the signing as it provided the team with an accomplished pass-rusher to pair with All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack.
Jacobs’ Presence Would Be Highly Needed If The Bears Draft A Quarterback In The 2024 NFL Draft
The most significant offseason move for the Bears will be who the team drafts at quarterback in April, as Poles is expected to trade current starter Justin Fields within the next few weeks. Whether it is Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, Chicago’s front office must do its best job to surround a rookie signal-caller with the best-supporting staff possible. Providing a first-round quarterback with one of the best running backs in Jacobs would be a wise decision by Poles.
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With a rookie quarterback, there will be games in 2024 where inexperience and growing pains become an issue and force Chicago’s offense to rely on the running game. If Maye or Williams have a game where they can’t get anything going passing-wise, the offense can give the ball to Jacobs over 25 times and utilize him to be the difference maker, especially with the defense. Herbert or Johnson might not be that reliable running back to give more and more carries to as a contest progresses.
Additionally, Jacobs’ presence could be a significant benefit in the passing offense for a multitude of reasons, including as a pass-catcher and creating confusion. Chicago’s offense with new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron will utilize play-action passes, which emphasizes the threat of a rushing attack to freeze defenders to help receivers and tight ends to create separation. Jacobs also could be an asset catching the ball out of the backfield, as he has had two seasons of 50 receptions or more, while running backs are consistently targeted by rookie quarterbacks, too.
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Signing Jacobs or any of the talented running backs available in free agency this month is a dire need for Poles and his front office, but it could be quite an addition that proves to be a difference-making acquisition as the season progresses. Drafting a quarterback creates a further need for an offensive threat to assist and reduce the need for the rookie to be a difference-maker immediately. Signing Jacobs will give Chicago’s offense a better chance at success, but even more so, allow a rookie quarterback a better chance of development.
@scott brs, in general you are right but not in this case. He was really high on Montgomery as a person and player but like so many in the NFL these days he doesn’t but a high priority on running backs as far a cap $. They went back and forth for a while but couldn’t come to an agreement. God bless ’em, ultimately Montgomery got the deal he wanted and I don’t think there’s anybody that’s not happy for him and I would include Ryan Poles in that.
mbearest…. I think you might be missing the real reason he didn’t keep Montgomery. It’s not hard to figure out that he doesn’t want to keep the Pace players.
STOP!!! If Poles wouldn’t give up even 5 mil to David Montgomery, a player whose talents, dedication and character he desires, there’s no way he’s giving big bucks to Jacobs.
How can you down vote that offer? It’s the contract we gave to Forte 12 years ago. I wouldn’t have then, and I wouldn’t now.
This would be a massive boost to the offense. Of course everyone will say it’s a terrible idea. But Poles has to realize this is year three and it’s time to start winning some games. He signed Edwards last year then gave Edmunds a massive contract so I’m not sure why this is impossible.