Key Takeaways:
– Travis Homer’s position at Chicago Bears may be under threat due to cap space issues.
– Undrafted rookies Ian Wheeler or John Jackson III might replace Homer, saving $1.9 million in cap space.
– Despite being a sixth-round selection for the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, Homer’s game contributions have been relatively minimal.
– With the return of Khalil Herbert and Johnson, and the addition of D’Andre Swift, the Bears running back room looks promising for the 2024 season.
Travis Homer Position Within Chicago Bears in Jeopardy
Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer could potentially lose his spot to an undrafted rookie. This would not only put an end to Homer’s tenure with the team but also help the Bears save some significant cash. While Homer has been valuable for the special-teams, his offensive contributions have come into question, indicating a potential swift departure from the roster.
In the second year of his two-year contract of $4 million, Homer, 25, may see a downsizing from the former glory of playing sixteen games last season. Moreover, with Chicago already boasting a number of running back options, his position on the team is increasingly unstable.
Path to Increasing Cap Space
The Bears could significantly increase their cap space by releasing Homer, as this move alone would save $1.9 million. Undrafted rookies like Ian Wheeler or John Jackson could take Homer’s place in the special teams, further strengthening the team’s financial position.
During his stint with the Bears, Homer played just 1% of Chicago’s offensive snaps in 2023, with a massive 61% of his contributions being in special teams. Thus, the value he gives to the team is disproportionate with the cap space he consumes.
Past Performance Records
Building a career as a sixth-round selection for the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, the 5-foot-10 athlete has often struggled to stamp his mark on the competitive league. In his five seasons, the 202-pound running back has never managed to conclude a season with more than 25 carries.
His performance record with the Seahawks showed a mixed bag of results. In his four-year tenure, Homer played 49 games, of which only two were starts. He garnered a total of 453 yards and a single touchdown from 83 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
Promising Future for Bears’ Running Back Room
While Homer’s future hangs in the balance, the outlook for the rest of the Bears’ running backs is promising, heading into the 2024 campaign. Last year saw the Bears emerge with the second-best rushing attack in the NFL, a feat attributed to the prowess of Khalil Herbert, D’Onta Foreman, and Roschon Johnson.
The recent departure of Foreman, who yielded 425 yards and four rushing scores on 109 carries, has opened an opportunity for former Philadelphia Eagles’ running back, D’Andre Swift. Having rushed for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns last year, Swift’s induction into the team looks favorable for both the running back room and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
With the Bears possessing backfield talent in the form of fullback Khari Blasingame, they do have plenty of options should they decide to let Homer walk. John Jackson III, in particular, could potentially be the surprise package the team needs as the training camp approaches.