Chicago Bears Retain One Free Agent While Losing Another to Texans
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL’s free agency period, the Chicago Bears have been making moves to reshape their roster in hopes of strengthening their competitive edge. This week, the Bears were able to retain one of their own free agents, but they also saw another player depart for a fresh start with the Houston Texans. As the Bears continue to build around their young quarterback, Justin Fields, these roster moves are critical in the team’s quest to return to playoff contention.
Bears Retain Key Free Agent: David Montgomery Stays in Chicago
While there were many concerns regarding which of their free agents the Bears would be able to keep, one of the biggest wins for the Bears came with the decision to retain running back David Montgomery. Montgomery has been one of the most consistent and reliable players on the Bears’ offense since being drafted in 2019, and keeping him in the fold for the upcoming season was a major priority for the team.
The Bears signed Montgomery to a three-year deal, keeping the dynamic running back in Chicago for the foreseeable future. The 25-year-old has proven to be the focal point of the Bears’ run-heavy offense and a reliable option in both the running and passing games. Over his four seasons with the team, Montgomery has rushed for over 3,000 yards, consistently delivering tough, physical performances.
Why Montgomery Matters to the Bears
Montgomery’s retention is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, he provides a sense of stability to an offense that relies heavily on the running game. With Justin Fields continuing to develop as the team’s quarterback, Montgomery’s ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles and serve as a safety valve in the passing game allows Fields to play with confidence. Whether it’s on short-yardage situations or helping control the clock in the second half of games, Montgomery is a key player for the Bears’ offensive attack.
In addition to his on-field production, Montgomery is also seen as a leader in the locker room. His work ethic, toughness, and professionalism have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. Retaining Montgomery not only helps with continuity in the backfield but also ensures the Bears have a trusted veteran presence in a young offensive system.
Bears Lose Free Agent to the Texans: Arlington Hambright Departs
While the Bears were able to lock down Montgomery, they unfortunately saw one of their own free agents, Arlington Hambright, sign with the Houston Texans. Hambright, an offensive lineman who was initially drafted by the Bears in 2020, has spent the majority of his career as a depth player on the offensive line. Although he didn’t start regularly, Hambright provided valuable depth for Chicago in both tackle and guard positions.
The move to the Texans offers Hambright an opportunity for a more significant role in their offensive line rotation. The Texans have been in the midst of rebuilding their team and have a number of young players vying for starting spots across the roster. Hambright’s versatility will be an asset as Houston looks to bolster its offensive line and protect their quarterback, whoever that may be in 2023.
Why the Bears Let Hambright Go
For the Bears, parting ways with Hambright was likely a product of their need to allocate cap space more effectively, especially as they continue to address other positions of need. Although Hambright provided solid depth, the Bears have a number of promising young offensive linemen, and with their ongoing efforts to solidify the starting five up front, they may not have seen a path for Hambright to play a more prominent role in Chicago moving forward.
Additionally, the Bears have been aggressive in free agency, bringing in new talent to their offensive line in hopes of creating a more stable unit for Fields. By losing Hambright, the Bears can focus on developing their younger linemen and looking for other additions that will have a more immediate impact on the starting lineup.
The Bears’ Offseason Strategy
The retention of David Montgomery and the loss of Arlington Hambright are just two of many moves the Bears are making as part of their larger plan to rebuild and contend in the NFC North. The team has shown a clear commitment to surrounding Justin Fields with the right pieces, particularly focusing on improving the offensive line and the running game.
The Bears’ efforts to retain Montgomery demonstrate their dedication to a balanced offensive attack that can complement Fields’ growth as a quarterback. With Fields’ dual-threat ability, Montgomery is an essential piece to open up play-action opportunities and take some pressure off the young signal-caller.
Meanwhile, the loss of Hambright represents the team’s larger focus on improving its offensive line. Although he provided depth, the Bears are seeking to upgrade at key spots, with new additions like Drew Dalman at center and continued development from players like Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom. The Bears’ front office has been focused on building a stronger, more consistent offensive line to protect Fields and enhance their running game. The departure of Hambright is likely part of this ongoing transformation.
The Bears’ Future Looks Promising
As the Bears continue to build for the future, their free-agent decisions, such as the retention of David Montgomery and the departure of Arlington Hambright, highlight their commitment to improving their roster while maintaining flexibility for future moves. Keeping Montgomery ensures the Bears have a reliable and dynamic piece for their offense, while letting Hambright go opens up opportunities for younger players and new additions to step in.
The Bears’ off-season efforts, highlighted by smart signings and difficult roster decisions, reflect their strategy of building a competitive team around Justin Fields. The addition of experienced players, like Dalman on the offensive line, alongside the retention of key contributors, positions the Bears to be more competitive in the upcoming season.
As the offseason continues, the Bears will undoubtedly make more moves, and fans will be keeping an eye on how the front office shapes the future of the franchise. With Montgomery back in the fold and a restructured roster, the Bears are poised to make significant strides toward becoming a playoff-caliber team once again.