The Chicago Bears added a true change-of-pace running back to their depth chart with the signing of former Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers, but that doesn't mean that they won't look to the 2015 NFL Draft to find a future heir apparent to Matt Forte.
Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune:
The Bears signed Rodgers to a one-year deal because he clearly has some traits they like. He’s a solid receiver out of the backfield and he’s also decent in pass protection even though he’s only 5-foot-6, 196 pounds. GM Ryan Pace and player personnel director Josh Lucas have seen plenty of him the last four seasons when the Saints played the Falcons. But my hunch is Rodgers is the latest veteran to come in on a minimum salary benefit contract. With a minimal investment, the presence of Rodgers (or Ka’Deem Carey, a fourth-round pick from last year, for that matter) isn’t going to preclude the Bears from drafting a running back. Rodgers isn’t a long-term solution in terms of eventually replacing Matt Forte, not in my opinion anyway. So, I don’t think the signing of Rodgers affects draft plans one way or the other.
Forte, 29, is entering the last season of a four-year, $30.4 million deal inked back in 2012.
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