The Chicago Bears need to add running back depth, and a certain Pro Bowler may be available via trade.
The offseason is just about to come to an end for the Chicago Bears, but one particular area on the roster still draws some concern. No, we’re not talking quarterback — although that’s an argument for another day.
Running back is still a concern, especially with David Montgomery going down to a groin injury recently. Montgomery may not be available for Week 1, leaving the team with either Tarik Cohen or Cordarrelle Patterson to fill the gap. While both may be somewhat capable of taking on the responsibility, neither are a true prototypical backup.
Fortunately, the last couple of days have been stuffed with big running back news. First, Leonard Fournette was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The very next day, it was reported that the New Orleans Saints were willing to part with Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara. Due to Kamara missing practices via “unexcused” absences, the Saints now appear ready to trade him. Kamara has been wanting a new contract and is in the final year of his rookie deal.
The problem is, the Saints are upside down on the salary cap in 2021. So, they could be forced to trade him. It seemed unthinkable at first, but it might just happen. The only question is, where to? If Bovada is correct, Bears fans would be thrilled.
Just a day ago, the Bears were the odds-on favorite to sign Fournette if he went unclaimed. He did, in fact, go unclaimed on Tuesday. Now, they are the favorites to land Kamara? This is wild.
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Remember, this is also the 2-year anniversary of the team trading for Khalil Mack in an enormous blockbuster deal. There is something special out today, and maybe, just maybe, Ryan Pace has another trick up his sleeve.
The issue with trading for Kamara, though, is his contract wishes. Per a recent tweet via Bleacher Report, Kamara wants somewhere close to what Christian McCaffrey got in his deal — $16 million per year.
For the Bears, that’s simply not logical, especially when considering Allen Robinson still needs an extension. Even so, paying running backs has not proven to be worth it in the long run. Not to mention, just how much will Kamara cost?
Most of the reports out at the moment have the Saints wanting a first rounder for Kamara. The Bears cannot and will not do that. However, if the price dropped to a second-round pick, that might be doable.
We will have to stay tuned for the latest updates as the running back market has been intriguing lately, to say the least.