My favorite part of the offseason version of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series is how the Chicago Bears are seemingly effortlessly weaved into every episode. This week’s installment was no different. And in a new way, to boot.
During the most recent episode, fans get a behind-the-scenes look at what ultimately led to Saquon Barkley’s departure from the New York Giants. The video below () shows Giants owner John Mara and GM Joe Schoen discussing the potential of the Bears and Eagles showing interest in signing the free-agent running back.
owner John Mara on Saquon Barkley potentially getting interest from the Eagles and Bears:
"I'll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I'll tell you that. … He's the most popular player we have BY FAR."— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate)
MORE: The Bears Are Subtly Taking Over the Giants’ Season of Hard Knocks
If you’ve been following free agency the last two offseasons, then you might recall that there was rumored interest in Saquon Barkley from the Chicago Bears. We discussed Barkley as a possible Bears fit in November 2022 when whispers first surfaced. One offseason later, we founds ourselves going down that path in March 2024 when the team was reportedly considered to be one of the “primary suitors” in a Saquon sweepstakes.
If anything, this episode of Hard Knocks is the kind of thing that will remind us to be even more on top of the rumor mill when next season rolls around. Because while there was pushback from some regarding a fit, it is now clear that the Bears had some real interest in Barkley. And it might’ve helped nudge him away from the team that drafted him.
The Bears missed out on Saquon Barkley, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing
There are several worthwhile takeaways from the Bears’ pursuit of Saquon Barkley.
Firstly, I appreciate General Manager Ryan Poles not being afraid of kicking the tires on a high-profile player at a position that teams around the league tend to be devaluing. Secondly, I see this pursuit an example of Poles searching for value in unexpected places. Teams not paying high-volume, load-carrying backs almost created a perfect storm for the Bears to get a good one at a decent price point in free agency. Thirdly, it showed Poles’ willingness to pivot. Switching lanes and not trying to pay another back the way you would’ve paid Saquon is something that I’d expect my favorite team’s GM to do, while acknowledging that overpays often happen when a team’s Plan A falls through.
Chicago Bears veteran players are set to show up to training camp at Halas Hall today. Saquon Barkley won’t be part of that group. And that is fine. Don’t get it twisted. I know Barkley is a tremendously talented running back. If he was on the Bears, I’d be geeked up about it. He isn’t. But that doesn’t mean I’m not excited about what the future has for Chicago’s collection of running backs.
With the Eagles ultimately snagging Saquon Barkley, it left the Bears to bring in former Philly running back D’Andre Swift. Comparing Swift and Barkley is kin to that apples and oranges adage in that both are running backs the same way apples and oranges are fruits. Apples and oranges are in the same category on the food pyramid but have different flavor and texture profiles. Barkley and Swift are both running backs who have desirable skills that teams want in backfield contributors, but they aren’t the same. Are you picking up what I’m putting down? I sure hope you are.
In the end, I find myself looking forward to what the Bears’ season of Hard Knocks looks like later this summer. The August 6 debut can’t come quickly enough for me.
