A day after signing former Cowboys wide receivers Roy Williams and Sam Hurd, the Chicago Bears have reportedly signed running back Marion Barber to a two-year deal, according to a tweet from Brad Biggs from the Chicago Tribune. In six seasons with the Cowboys, Barber developed a reputation for his hard-nosed running style and in 2006 became a fan favorite for his effectiveness as a short-yardage back behind then-starter Julius Jones. However, after the 2007 season, for which Barber earned his only Pro Bowl nod, the team released Jones in order for Barber to take over the starter role. In this role, though, Barber struggled with injuries and inconsistency, which, paired with a huge contract, makes his ouster not altogether surprising. Source: Dallas Morning News
I love this pick up! It's hard for me to believe that Marion Barber is washed up as everyone is claiming. I also like the Roy E Williams pick up also. Both players were stuck on bad Dallas teams the past few years with a less than stellar Coach that always wanted to play up to his favorites. Williams started his career in the NFC Central and know's what the Black and Blue division is all about. He was never really given a solid chance in Dallas and will be used A LOT in Martz' schemes. Barber is a bad azz beast and now has a bigger chip on his shoulder. He and Forte will be a DEADLY tandem coming out of the back field along with Chester Taylor could spell trouble for opposing teams run defensive schemes.
You think they'll keep Taylor as a 3rd down guy and use Barber in relief if Forte for a series here and there? Barber will be a nice back to have for those fourth quarter winters in Chicago.
bad Dallas teams? We won 9 games in 2008 and 11 in 2009. gtfo Barber is done. He has no burst, is a terrible short yardage back, and the most undisipled runner in the NFL. Our whole fan bace has been wanting him gone for two season now The only thing he excels at now is blitz pickup and check down pass's
I would say other way around Barber should be used on 3rd and longs in obvious blitz situations either as a block or check down threat. One thing he still excels at with the ball in his hands is turning a 2 yard pass into an 10 yard gain
Chester Taylor is done!!!!! He's on his way out of Chicago. And Chester Taylor dosen't spell trouble for anyone.
Chester was pretty much awful at everything last season. I doubt he will be retained by the Bears. I like the signing of Barber. It gives the Bears a power style back to mix in with Forte's finesse. Hopefully he still has something left in the tank.