The Chicago Bears lost a running back on Tuesday evening, but gained a new one shortly after. They are expected to sign former Seattle Seahawks running back Travis Homer to a two-year deal worth up to $4.5 million. The deal was first reported by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. The news came a short time after former Bears running back David Montgomery agreed to a deal with the Detroit Lions.
Homer was selected in the sixth-round of the 2019 NFL Draft and played primarily a backup and special teams role for the Seahawks. In 2022, Homer rushed for 74 yards on 19 carries and caught 16 passes for 157 yards and one touchdown on offense. He’s also an effective pass blocker, which the Bears sorely need to keep Justin Fields upright.
As a contributor on special teams, Homer had nine total tackles and a forced fumble. He will likely slot in as a reserve running back option and compete with Trestan Ebner behind Khalil Herbert and possibly another player.
On Twitter, Bears fans were more focused on reading the tea leaves with the Homer signing and what it could mean in the upcoming draft. Or they were simply happy to use clips and gifs from The Simpsons.
Initial reaction: #Bears feel comfortable with Khalil Herbert as their No. 1 RB and could look for more help in the draft. https://t.co/6mSuc0MkSn
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) March 15, 2023
Me waiting to do in-game Simpsons memes for him: https://t.co/tKAD6G9Wp1 pic.twitter.com/mUp3nKSO6w
— The Tomfoolery of Professor John Frink (@Frustrated_Fan) March 15, 2023
Yeah we're definitely drafting a RB https://t.co/dnmW0NytIA
— 🤍𝒫𝒶𝓂𝓂𝒶𝓇𝒶💋 (@_PammaraV12) March 15, 2023
This is more of a ST move, still expect them to add another RB at some point #Bears https://t.co/f4Favdl406
— Storm Hauser (@HauserStorm) March 15, 2023
Definitely much more of a special teams add as opposed to any sort of David Montgomery replacement for the #Bears. https://t.co/QOVBxbCOuU
— Erik Duerrwaechter (@EDuerrwaechter) March 15, 2023
Homer has 453 rushing yards and 464 receiving yards in his career. 5th on the Seahawks in ST tackles in 2022.
No, I don’t think this is how the Bears are responding to losing David Montgomery. Funny timing, though! https://t.co/wHRTctMx5O
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) March 15, 2023
Bears made a move and got Travis Homer for $2.25AAV.
Following the Chiefs/Eagles way and not investing tons of cap into RB.
Homer ran a 4.48 40-yard dash.
Homerun Speed ✔️ https://t.co/HTgfTo8EmD— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) March 15, 2023
Homer earned an 85.8 special teams grade in 2022. Presumably a big part of the signing here https://t.co/1TNZk64r9g
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) March 15, 2023
Pointless in my opinion. https://t.co/Rlf4t2VXeC pic.twitter.com/QfFy2wfUlp
— Dennis 🧦 (@WhiteSoxDennis) March 15, 2023
Solid depth for the Bears, but I’m assuming they’ll still be a player for a running back in free agency and/or the draft https://t.co/wRRkzD0R6f
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) March 15, 2023
Core Special Teams guy. I’m sure he’ll have a role in the RB room, but that’s not what his primary role is here in Chicago. https://t.co/ZQQr8LW8Fp
— Danny Meehan (@DanMeehan90) March 15, 2023
this is 3rd RB w/ high Special Teams ability written all over it. IMO plan is for Herbert to be RB1 and draft a RB2 https://t.co/CGZpyZsIsQ
— AJ Katz (@aj_katz18) March 15, 2023
Okay now you know they’re drafting a RB. https://t.co/MgNItSqC1u
— Eddie Hokinson (@EdHokinson) March 15, 2023
so many GIF opportunities here, thank you Ryan Poles https://t.co/ZODZMBe6Q6 pic.twitter.com/D7BgpwRwlO
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 15, 2023
Had to Google him which is usually a great sign. Let Poles cook. https://t.co/k9nYmAJUd4
— BuffLlama (@JayDizzyD) March 15, 2023
Guessing this is a depth signing (3rd string)
Never gonna complain about depth. I still think Poles has something else up his sleeve. https://t.co/OpKMN6icIg
— 🍊🍁🐯🐻 (@RockyTopHyatt) March 15, 2023
One of the best pass blockers in the league, but it’s legit all he does at a competent level.
Makes sense given where the Bears priorities should land (protecting Fields) though. https://t.co/Vzbs8oAcBS
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick3) March 15, 2023
This is how you pay running backs good on Poles https://t.co/e9JYqe7xWF
— Chicagofan773 (@chicago7738) March 15, 2023
Is he signed to be on special teams or he is signed to be a backup to Herbert? https://t.co/Psq8a8rWPY
— Alexis 🏳️⚧️ (@alesolren) March 15, 2023
I don’t think this is a bad signing. Cheap deal and is a speedy back for breakout plays. https://t.co/Ut5OFqpTEl
— Holden (@BearingTheDowns) March 15, 2023
Wonder if this means the end for Trestan Ebner because I would be very surprised if Herbert is RB1 next year
And by very surprised I mean I really hope he’s not RB1 next year https://t.co/JWt2KzpgoD
— 𝙊𝙬𝙚𝙣 🐻⬇️ (@Birddoge_) March 15, 2023
Anyone mad at this is wasting their time lmao https://t.co/jpW7RvpJId
— Louie Penna Jr (@Louie_Penna) March 15, 2023
this aint too bad https://t.co/FiDNsQnOBs
— Overjoyed Bears Fan (@Zynxboi12) March 15, 2023
This is a good get for the Bears, Travis is a wonderful pass blocker and can be a weapon if used correctly. Hope he does well over there. https://t.co/WVJjBmFKJD
— rachel (wrathypoo) (@TheGaychel) March 15, 2023
Okay, I guess? 😂 https://t.co/J8q1aUCzVR
— BearDown_Media (@BearDown_Media) March 15, 2023
