3 RBs the Bears Could Target in Free Agency

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles may consider signing a running back in free agency. Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson remain under contract, but D’Onta Foreman is currently scheduled to reach the open market. Foreman averaged a team-high 12.1 carries per game despite making just nine regular-season appearances. The Bears should consider re-signing Foreman, but he may be looking for more money and opportunity than the Bears could offer him.

New offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is used to relying on multiple backs to form an effective backfield. The Bears will prefer a third ball-carrier to join Herbert and Johnson. With that in mind, we’ve identified three potential targets in free agency.

DEEJAY DALLAS, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

We could envision the Bears targeting a third-down back that’s responsible in pass protection. Deejay Dallas would check that box. With Ken Walker Jr. and Zach Carbonnet in the fold, Dallas isn’t expected to re-sign with the Seahawks. New running backs coach Chad Morton has spent the previous four seasons as Dallas’ position coach and run game coordinator in Seattle. There’s also familiarity with Waldron.

CAM AKERS, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

We expect the Vikings to part ways with restricted free agent Cam Akers. New passing game coordinator Thomas Brown possesses history with Akers, having first served as his position coach for two seasons (2020-21) with the Los Angeles Rams before doubling as Sean McVay’s assistant head coach and then tight ends position coach. Akers rushed for 625 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie under Brown’s thumbprint.

RASHAAD PENNY, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Rashaad Penny is an enigma. Injuries and inconsistencies have prevented Penny from showcasing the full range of his capabilities, but dominant stretches have been present in spurts. Waldron spent the 2022 campaign as Penny’s offensive coordinator, and Morton spent four seasons (2018-22) alongside him, too. Penny now hits the market after a failed one-year experiment in Philadelphia. He’d be a low-risk flier behind Herbert and Johnson.