In the build-up to the draft, it became clear the Bears were among the teams which coveted Ashton Jeanty. The top running back in the 2025 class wound up being drafted sixth overall by the Raiders, though, leaving him out of Chicago’s range. 
The Bears did wind up selecting a rookie to add to their backfield, but seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai obviously will not face the same expectations as a prospect added during the early portions of the draft. General manager Ryan Poles noted (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin) drafting a running back earlier than the final round of the event remained on the team’s radar, but the cost of moving up to do so proved to be prohibitive. Chicago’s depth chart at the RB spot now consists of Monangai along with returnees D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer and Ian Wheeler.
That group could see at least one addition ahead of training camp. Head coach Ben Johnson said (via Cronin) Chicago will likely have six or seven backs in the fold by July, meaning a move or two should be in store in the meantime. That could of course consist of a rookie minicamp participant landing a contract, but a veteran signing could also be in store.
By this point in the offseason, few running backs of note remain available. Nick Chubb‘s Browns tenure appears to be over, and he is joined by the likes of Gus Edwards, Jeff Wilson and Nyheim Hines on the market. J.K. Dobbins could be a target, but since the Chargers applied the UFA tender in his case, Los Angeles would receive a compensatory pick in the event another team were to sign him. Dobbins’ rights will belong exclusively to the Chargers past July 22 if he is still unsigned by that date.
The Bears have Swift in position to reprise his role as lead back for 2025, the first year with Johnson at the helm. He and Swift previously worked together with the Lions, and that familiarity could be key in allowing the latter to build off his production from 2024 (which included a career-high 1,345 scrimmage yards). Two years remain on Swift’s contract, although his base salary guarantees only run through the 2025 campaign.
Chicago is currently near the bottom of the league in terms of cap space ($10.6MM), but room could exist for a low-cost addition in the backfield. It will be interesting to see how the team operates at the position after missing out on the top rookie options.
Nick Chubb should pay the Bears to come here and run behind that line and in Ben Johnson’s offense. Then he might get a decent deal next year. I think the Bears will be more of a passing team than a running juggernaut anyway. It’s just set up that way. I wouldn’t sleep on Ian Wheeler and Monangai either. Homer isn’t really any threat as a RB anyway and he’s not really needed for special teams anymore either. The Bears now have depth for Special Teams. So if none of those guys wants to come cheap then so be it. Yeah the Bears have 10 million. But they haven’t signed any draft picks and it will take that much to sign them all. So who goes for a RB?
Until we see it on the field nobody should be talking up the Bears offensive line. Finally ponying up the cash to properly construct the line doesn’t mean it’s significantly going to be better when the man in charge of it has proven he doesn’t identify quality OL well even though he’s a former one.
It’s not just Thuney, Jackson and Dalman. The 2 guys they drafted are solid backups. They’re not only better but deep. Bates was supposed to be a starter last year now probably shouldn’t even make the team. Plus they picked up some solid low tier FA’s. Plus we got a real OL coach. So I think it will be much improved. It really can’t be worse. I have high hopes Trapilo will step up and be the LT that Caleb needs. Anyway can’t wait to see how it plays out. And I’m loving the way Dennis Allen is talking about attacking the offense. No Bears fan wants to hear the coach say the words, ” Bend don’t break” ever again.
So you’re saying Johnson’s contribution to constructing/ coaching that Lion’s O-line means nothing going forward with the Bears? Because he was most definitely involved in acquiring the pieces the Bears have now and thinking they won’t be much improved this season, is ridiculous.
Let me guess Bears won the offseason again….smh
There’s no guarantee that Bears line is great. Jonah Jackson has played 16 games over the last two regular seasons combined, and his last team dumped him one season into a big free agent deal. Joe Thuney is great, but he’s one of the oldest starting offensive linemen in football and the cliff can come any time.
As for the money, they have some very easy ways to restructure. It would be very easy to free up a few million this year.
@unclemike1526. Dobbins will probably come cheap, and the compensation pick would be a 7th round pick because I don’t see him signing for more than 2-3 million on a one year deal.
The Bears won the off season when they fired Eberlose. Everything else was gravy.
Get Wilson. Lots of tread on his tires he barely played snaps last year because of Wright Achane and Mostert
Wilson fumbles once every 67 touches on average so it’s no surprise he isn’t getting snaps. Yeah, his ball security is better than Velus Jones but the Bears need to avoid all RBs who give opponents extra opportunities with turnovers.
Ben Johnson failed miserably in his two biggest games of his career.
So did Andy Reid. Until he didn’t.
Marlon Mack Comeback Tour!! lol
Sign Ray Rice. He deserves a chance to finish his career.
I wish somebody would’ve finished his career.
you deserve a chance to get punched in the face
I would not be so quick to call the Bears OL improved just yet. Jonah Jackson was starting to fade at the end of his run in Detroit and only proved this more so in LA. And Thuney has been fantastic over his career but there was a reason why KC traded him away for a middling return. Johnson has had it very good here in Detroit and will now have to create that type of offense on his own in CHI. I think the Bears will end to being pretty good this season but I also think they won’t start playing great ball until mid-season or so. Time will tell….
Even if the Bears aren’t greatly improved they are going to be a better viewing option that the White Sox or Blackhawks 🙂
That’s an incredibly low bar.
agree. Jackson cannot stay healthy, Thuney should have at least a good year left but is getting up there in age. You should not be sold on this line.
Lots of great RB’s throughout the league’s history, but Sweetness was special!! Thanks Walter.
Walter Payton was the greatest football player who ever played the game. I know, I watched most of his NFL games.
Sweetness & the real LT for me!
RB options ranked according to me:
– Trade for Breece Hall
– Trade for Rhamondre Stevenson
– Trade for Kenny Walker III
– Sign Nick Chubb
– Sign Jeff Wilson
– Sign JK Dobbins
– Sign Jamal Williams