C.J. Anderson talk means Bears view RB ‘wave’ as more than two

When the Bears decided to let Matt Forte walk via free agency, they called it a referendum on their remaining running backs: Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey.

They team doesn’t seem satisfied with just the two, though.

They had lobbied former Broncos running back C.J. Anderson to visit Halas Hall before he decided to fly to Miami, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis in Denver. In fact, Anderson thought he was flying to Chicago when he arrived at the airport Wednesday.

Anderson is a restricted free agent, meaning that the Broncos have the right to match any offer but would not receive draft pick compensation for him.

Bears coach John Fox must have liked what he saw in Anderson in 2013 and 2014. He got only seven carries the first year but 179 in 2014, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

He matched that average in 2015, carrying 152 times for 720 yards while splitting time with Ronnie Hillman.

It’s telling, though, that Anderson’s former offensive coordinator in Denver, Adam Gase, is the one recruiting him to join the Dolphins.

Back at Halas Hall, Fox’s concept of a “wave” of running backs seemingly involves more than just two.

The team re-signed Jacquizz Rodgers to a one-year deal Wednesday, but he figures to be more of a special teams piece than a regular rusher. Langford and Carey are on their rookie deals, and don’t figure to go anywhere for the next two years.

Still, t wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bears pursue another veteran running back this offseason.

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Email: pfinley@suntimes.com