Bears Rumors: David Montgomery Likely to Test FA; CHI Would Like to Re-Sign RB

Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery looks primed to hit the open market.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Montgomery is "poised" to be a free agent later this week despite the Bears expressing interest in re-signing the four-year veteran.

Montgomery has rushed for 3,609 yards and 26 touchdowns during his Bears tenure, serving as the primary rusher since being drafted in the third round of the 2019 draft. He's carried the ball at least 200 times and gained 800-plus yards every year.

The free-agent running back class is set to be loaded, with Montgomery being joined by Miles Sanders, Jamaal Williams and Kareem Hunt, among others. It's also possible Ezekiel Elliott will join the fold if the Cowboys don't find a way to lower his $16.7 million cap number, but owner Jerry Jones has been open about a desire to keep Zeke and Tony Pollard as a 1-2 punch.

Montgomery is likely second in line among free-agent running backs behind Sanders, who averages 5.0 yards per carry for his career and is coming off a 1,269-yard, 11-touchdown campaign. By contrast, Montgomery averages just 3.9 yards per carry for his career and has consistently topped out as an average NFL starting running back.

While the number of touches Montgomery has received turned him into a regular fantasy fixture, he's likely looking at a timeshare wherever he winds up next. The Bears could bring him back alongside Khalil Herbert as a 1-2 punch behind Justin Fields, but they may be better off allowing Montgomery to hit free agency and adding a back with their sudden surplus of draft picks.