Bears lose key free agent to division rival
The Bears could now be in the market for a starter at a key position.
The Bears have been one of the busiest teams during the offseason so far.
After trading the number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the team made multiple high-impact moves including adding linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and guard Nate Davis.
However, on Tuesday night, the Bears lost one of their key free agents.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Bears' running back David Montgomery is in agreement on a three-year, $18 million deal with the division-rival Lions. Schefter adds that the deal contains $11 million in guaranteed money.
It was rumored that Montgomery would have a strong market for his services. The Bears reportedly wanted to keep Montgomery, but clearly could not go as high as the Lions did.
Montgomery was the starting running back for the better part of the last four seasons for Chicago. The back had his best season in 2020 when he collected 1,070 rushing yards, eight rushing TDs, and 54 receptions.
Montgomery's pass-catching ability will surely be missed. He had at least 25 receptions in each of his four seasons with the Bears.
Without Montgomery, the Bears currently only roster Khalil Herbert and Trestan Ebner at the RB position. It would not be surprising to see the team look to this position in the draft at some point.
The Bears could also address the position in free agency. Chase Edmonds, Miles Sanders, and Devin Singletary are some of the available options with pass-catching ability.
