The Chicago Bears have signed former Carolina Panthers running back D’Onta Foreman to a one-year deal worth $3 million.
Last season with the Panthers, Foreman had a breakout season after replacing Christian McCaffrey, who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Foreman rushed for 915 yards in 17 games with nine starts. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry. Foreman eclipsed 100 rushing yards in five games.
Foreman joins a running back room that also features Khalil Herbert and free-agent addition Travis Homer.
We spoke to Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire, who gave us the rundown on what we can expect from the Bears’ new running back and why he could be a good fit for Chicago.
1
What kind of player are the Bears getting in D’Onta Foreman?
Anthony Rizzuti: Foreman isn’t your prototypical bruiser. Even at 6-foot-1 and 236 pounds, he has the burst to break off some lengthy runs.
Think of him as a poor man’s Nick Chubb—a big-bodied back who can shake off defenders as easily as he can run by them. From when he took over the starting job in Week 7 until season’s end, Foreman rushed for 876 yards, five touchdowns and 12 runs of at least 15 yards off 191 carries. Chubb, over that same span, rushed for 876 yards, five touchdowns and 12 runs of at least 15 yards off 192 carries. (Thank you, Doug Farrar.)
And as a man, you won’t find many more with the determination to establish himself—even in entering what’ll be his sixth season.
2
What’s Foreman’s biggest strength?
AR: Foreman’s biggest strength is that aforementioned ability to shed would-be tacklers. Not only is he physical, but he possesses some pretty impressive footwork for a guy at his size—allowing him to be one of the more elusive backs you can find.
If you don’t believe that, just take a peek at the NFL Next Gen Stats. In the Week 7 to Week 18 timeframe, Foreman piled up 177 rushing yards over expected—ranking fifth in the entire league over that span.
3
What’s Foreman’s biggest need for improvement?
AR: While he can sidestep and step over defenders for some space, Foreman doesn’t quite have the breakaway speed to be a home run hitter. None of the five touchdowns he scored this past season registered over 12 yards.
He’s also not a pass-catching threat. Foreman has reeled in just 23 balls over 31 targets in his five-year career.
4
What impact did Foreman have during his time with the Panthers?
AR: Although the addition of Miles Sanders certainly softened the blow, Panthers fans weren’t happy to see Foreman go. That’s because he—in what looked to be a lost season by the time they traded star Christian McCaffrey—kickstarted the once listless offense.
Foreman, behind a much improved offensive line, spearheaded the revival by pushing a relentless ground-and-pound identity. His 914 rushing yards, a career-high, nearly helped lead Carolina to an improbable NFC South title.
5
Why do you think Foreman could be a good fit for the Bears?
AR: Between Foreman, backfield mate Khalil Herbert and Justin Fields — the Bears may be looking to submit their opponents through what should be a grinding ground attack. Who — during home games in Chicago, no less — really wants to wrap up that Foreman and Herbert duo while trying to keep tabs on one of, if not the most electric runner at the quarterback position?
It’s easy to envision the read option playing a substantial role in their approach, one that’ll pose even more threats with some fella named DJ Moore roaming downfield.
