CHICAGO, Ill. (670 The Score) -- An hour after the final whistle sounded on the Bears’ season Sunday, fourth-year running back David Montgomery still hadn’t left Soldier Field.
After taking off his Bears uniform for perhaps the final time, Montgomery emerged from the stadium’s northwest tunnel with family and friends to take photos at the midfield logo. This came after the Bears concluded a disappointing 3-14 season, which was capped by a 29-13 loss to the Vikings. Now, Montgomery is heading toward an uncertain future as he's set to become a free agent in March.
“I need to repress a little bit, allow my emotions to soak in and just be able to be grateful for the opportunity I was blessed with for the last four years,” Montgomery said a bit earlier while taking a moment to reflect.
The 25-year-old Montgomery arrived at Soldier Field on Sunday recognizing the reality of his situation. The Bears could allow him to walk as a free agent and utilize their salary cap space at positions of greater need. Second-year running back Khalil Herbert has showcased promise in his own right, and first-year general manager Ryan Poles might simply prefer to not pay for a running back’s second contract. If so, that would make Montgomery expendable.
Montgomery explained that he hasn’t focused on the future just yet or met with his agent to evaluate what’s next. That's for later on this offseason.
“That’s my brother,” Herbert said of Montgomery. “Just being able to talk about everything, not only football, but life. Going through this thing together, I mean he’s meant the world to me.
“If he’s here, I'm going to be excited. If he’s not, I know he’s going to get paid. I can’t control what happens. But he’s going to get paid. That's what I'm happy about.”
A third-round pick of the Bears in the 2019 NFL Draft, Montgomery has carried 915 times for 3,609 yards and 26 touchdowns over 60 games with the team. He had 801 rushing yards this season, surpassing the 800-yard rushing mark for the fourth time in as many seasons. Montgomery carried seven times for 21 yards Sunday for the Bears' shorthanded offense, which was missing starting quarterback Justin Fields and several key players.
While Montgomery’s four seasons with the Bears were marked by instability and far too many losses, he proved to be a consistent piece in the team’s plans.
“I feel like I’ve been a hell of a player, but I know that I’m just scratching the surface of what I can be and what I'm capable of,” Montgomery said. “It gives me more motivation and excitement going into the offseason knowing I can get better, and I will.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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