The Chicago Bears improved their roster before NFL free agency even started on Monday, signing safety Kevin Byard. With the legal tampering period set to open, Chicago now could have its eyes focused on one of the top running backs on the open market.
Chicago had one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL last season. The Bears’ offense averaged the second-most rushing yards per game (141.1), ranked sixth in yards per carry and fifth in rushing first downs per game (8.1) across 17 contests.
Related: Alarming update on trade talks for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields
- Chicago Bears rushing stats (2023): 2,399 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 4.5 yards per carry
However, a majority of that production happened because of Justin Fields. Chicago’s quarterback led the team in rushing yards (657) and yards per carry (5.3), while placing second in rushing touchdowns (four) and big runs (four). With Fields headed out of town in an eventual trade, the team wants to improve its situation.
- Josh Jacobs stats 2023: 805 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, 3.5 yards per carry
Related: NFL mock draft 2024
According to Bears’ radio sideline reporter Jason McKie, the Bears have an interest in free agent running back Josh Jacobs. Even more important, as McKie disclosed on the “Chicago Bears podcast”, there is mutual interest between the two sides.
“I know from his standpoint, Josh would love to be in a Bears uniform,”
Jason McKie on mutual interest between Chicago Bears, Josh Jacobs
Related: Highest-paid NFL players 2024
Before a season-ending injury late in the year with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacobs was not nearly as effective as a rusher as he was in 2022. After averaging 97.2 rushing yards per game and 5.2 yards per rush during his All-Pro season, Jacobs averaged just 61.9 rushing yards per game and 4.1 yards per touch this past season.
Chicago will certainly be hoping that Jacobs could return to his pre-2023 form. In his first four NFL seasons, the former 24th overall pick averaged 1,185 yards per season with a 4.4 ypc carry and 40 rushing touchdowns in 60 games. Notably, the Bears have also been tied to running back Saquon Barkley in NFL free agency.
