The Chicago Bears prefer to avoid free agency for major roster needs, understanding that it isn’t the best way to build a roster. However, GM Ryan Poles is also a practical man. He knows rebuilding a roster can take a long time unless you’re willing to take some risks on the market. That is why the Bears have done so over the past three years. There have been some significant hits like Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, and Kevin Byard. Unfortunately, there have also been big misses like Nate Davis. Their most recent swing came this past March when they nabbed running back D’Andre Swift for $8 million per year.
Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus felt the team needed a jolt in the backfield. They lacked explosiveness in that department. Swift made plenty of sense. He had tons of speed and great versatility as a pass catcher. However, it turns out he wasn’t their first choice. Rumors emerged a few months ago that the Bears had explored the idea of signing former Pro Bowler Saquon Barkley. As it turns out, team insider Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog clarified that it was, in fact, an all-out push.
The Chicago Bears going after Barkley is understandable.
Other than Derrick Henry, he is probably the best running back in football. His presence was the only reason the New York Giants made the playoffs in 2022. However, the team chose to pay big money to quarterback Daniel Jones instead. As a result, Barkley hit the open market this past spring. New York tried to keep him, but the Philadelphia native chose to return home and signed with the Eagles. After six games, he is on pace for 1,864 yards and 14 touchdowns. Barkley remains a huge difference-maker.
Imagining him and Caleb Williams together in the backfield is certainly fun. The Chicago Bears may have drawn some criticism for paying serious money to a running back, but certain talents are worth the investment. Barkley is one of them. Sadly, money alone wasn’t enough to sway him. He wanted to go home. There wasn’t much Poles could’ve done. Yet it is beyond evident he had his priorities straight. Still, Swift is proving to be a quality addition to the Bears offense. Things worked out fine.
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