The Chicago Bears‘ rushing attack could use a boost, and with plenty of cap room to work with this offseason, the Bears could be in the market for a running back.
Apparently, Chicago is considering making a run at one of the best halfbacks available.
According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, the Bears are “serious suitors” for Saquon Barkley, who is likely finished as a member of the New York Giants.
The Giants slapped a franchise tag on Barkley last year, as the two sides were unable to reach a long-term agreement. New York did not even bother to tag Barkley this time around, and while the Giants met with Barkley’s reps at the Scouting Combine, no contract offers were made on either side.
Barkley is aiming to make at least $10 million annually, a number New York has been unwilling to pay. Chicago, on the other hand, may be open to providing Barkley with what he wants.
The 27-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Penn State, was selected by the Giants with the second overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.
He has spent the first six years of his career in New York, making a couple of trips to the Pro Bowl. However, much of Barkley’s career has been defined by injuries.
Barkley has played just one full season, which came all the way back in his rookie campaign. This past year, he missed three games due to an ankle injury and registered just 962 yards and six touchdowns on the ground while averaging a pedestrian 3.9 yards per carry.
The Bronx native is just two years removed from setting a career-high with 1,312 yards and making the Pro Bowl, but his checkered injury history is certainly concerning.
All things considered, the Bears are in need of a true No. 1 back, especially if they are going to take USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft next month.
Perhaps the Windy City represents a great fit for Saquon Barkley.
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