Bears Could Be Match for Saquon Barkley Because of This Key Factor

The Athletic NFL Insider Dianna Russini provided a last-minute update on New York Giants’ soon-to-be free-agent running back Saqoun Barkley, and the Chicago Bears check a few of the boxes for teams that are expected to pursue him.

“Saquon Barkley is most likely leaving New York,” Russini wrote, “despite his consistent love for Big Blue. Multiple teams with rookie-contract quarterbacks are hoping to land the 27-year-old.”

One of those teams that will have a rookie quarterback (we all assume) is the Bears, who are expected to select Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Russini mentioned the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Washington Commanders, among other teams, in her report. All three of those teams have more salary cap space than the Bears, which is saying something, Chicago has the fifth-most salary-cap room in the league entering 2024 free agency.

The bottom line? Saquon Barkley will get paid by a team that can afford the luxury signing. A rookie quarterback plus a lot of cap space are the prerequisites, which means the Bears are absolutely in the mix.