Chicago Bears free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Indianapolis Colts strong safety Clayton Geathers (26) in the first quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game game between the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs on January 12, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 07: Philadelphia Eagles running back Jay Ajayi (26) catches a pass during the second quarter of the National Football League game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles on October 7, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Jay Ajayi, Running back

The free agent running backs market in 2019 figures to be one of the most volatile in recent years. Between the Le’Veon Bell drama, potential buy-low potential of Tevin Coleman, and general distaste for investing big money in running backs over the last couple years, there’s enough storyline to fill an entire season of MTV’s The Real World.

The Bears have a decision to make about the future of Jordan Howard, but if the team decides to move on, they could still make a move on a free agent running back to help pad the depth chart behind Tarik Cohen.

While there’s no denying his talent, his public ouster from the Dolphins in 2017 for reported locker room issues, as well as a torn ACL at the end of this past season, Ajayi is very much a risk for any team that decides to sign him. The rehab of his aforementioned ACL will have a big impact on how his market plays out, but more than likely he’ll be forced to take a one-year, “prove it” type contract.

For a team like the Bears who already have an outstanding weapon in the backfield in Tarik Cohen, that type of “prove it” deal could be an excellent situation for both parties. When healthy, Ajayi is a workhorse with outstanding ability to break tackles and score touchdowns. We’ve already seen how creative Matt Nagy can be, so utilizing him with Cohen could provide an excellent dynamic in the Bears’ backfield without wearing Ajayi down physically.

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