The Chicago Bears have enough cap space to consider signing at least one luxury player during NFL free agency next month. And with a rookie quarterback potentially coming in to lead their offense, it might be a good time for them to consider adding a veteran safety valve like superstar running back Austin Ekeler.
Ekeler — who turns 29 in May — will be an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on March 13 and is not expected to return to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. He will have competition on the open market, though, with backs like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Derrick Henry among the top veterans set to come available.
As Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon pointed out in his February 3 free agency article, though, the question about Ekeler is what he values most in his next contract.
Dallas or Philadelphia might make more sense for Ekeler if he is prioritizing a more prominent playoff contender than Chicago. But if he cares more about longer-term security and playing time, Kenyon believes the Bears could make for an “ideal landing spot” for the dual-threat running back as he looks to extend his prime a few more years.
Perhaps the Chicago Bears will offer more playing time and a longer-term contract with less money and a tougher path to the postseason,” Kenyon wrote.
Austin Ekeler is Far More Proven Than Bears’ Current RBs
The Bears do not have a desperate need for a new running back. They are likely to lose D’Onta Foreman in free agency next month, but Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson are both under contract for the 2024 season and played well as the primary duo toward the end of 2023. Realistically, they could keep the status quo for next season.
A saturated running back market could tempt Bears general manager Ryan Poles into chasing after a big fish, though, especially if Ekeler is available at an affordable rate.
No disrespect to Herbert or Johnson, who are both steady young players with bright futures, but Ekeler is on another level in terms of his production. He has established himself as one of the league’s premier dual-threat running backs over the past five seasons, putting up 6,742 scrimmage yards and scoring 58 total touchdowns. He has also made 440 career receptions.
A preseason trade request, an injury and general turmoil in L.A. led to a down year for Ekeler in 2023, but he still managed to produce more than 1,000 scrimmage yards and score six touchdowns over 14 games for the Chargers. So long as his health holds up, he is poised to provide an immediate spark to whichever team nets him in free agency.
