After making the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson official, the Chicago Bears can now begin the process of building up the roster for 2025.
Johnson noted on Wednesday during his introductory press conference that he is excited to begin that process working alongside general manager Ryan Poles.
Poles also added following the presser that Johnson will have “major input and say on roster decisions” this offseason. That’s a pretty notable declaration from a general manager who’s been tasked to build this team since 2022 now working with a first-time head coach.
One area Johnson already identified that needs improvement is the offensive line, which should come as no surprise to anyone. Outside of that, fans have already started speculating whether or not Johnson will seek out adding another running back to the room to complement D’Andre Swift.
During his first season in Chicago, Swift had a career-high in touches and didn’t get much support from the other backs in the room, leaving him to carry a bulk of the load. Even though his final stats looked solid, that’s not the best course of action long-term for the style of back Swift ideally would be.
When Johnson worked with Swift in Detroit during the 2022 season, he also had Jamaal Williams in the backfield, who carried the bulk of the work while rushing for over 1,000 yards. Swift was still very efficient with the touches he got in that offense.
Johnson’s work with a two-back system continued over the next two seasons with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery sharing the spotlight in the backfield. The duo was one of the best RB duos the league has ever seen in that span.
That’s why many think Johnson will look to find a new bruiser back to complement a shifty and explosive back like Swift. One name I already floated out there was Najee Harris, although the current look of the running back market might take him out of the Bears’ price range considering the other needs that the team should address.
On Thursday, a former standout running back turned TV personality, Maurice Jones-Drew, threw another name out there to land in Chicago who would be a much cheaper option: Javonte Williams.
The former Denver Broncos’ second-round pick is in the final year of his rookie deal and hasn’t been a great fit in Sean Payton’s offense, leaving many to believe that Williams will find a new home in free agency. Since his insane rookie season where he totaled 903 yards on 203 carries, Williams’ production hasn’t been the same, which could make him a cheaper option on the market and a talent a play-caller like Johnson could look to revive.
“He could use a fresh start after averaging fewer than 4 yards per carry under Sean Payton over the past two years — and Ben Johnson’s offense in Chicago feels like a great fit.”
I can see the vision that Jones-Drew is throwing out there. Williams rushing style would be a nice complement to Swift’s game if Johnson can get him back to his rookie form. In 2021, Williams averaged 3.42 yards after contact per attempt, which ranked 4th among running backs with 200+ carries.
The question is whether or not Williams can actually be that kind of back once again. By signing him, you’ll run the gamble of hoping Johnson can bring that kind of player back out. With that in mind, the team’s best option in finding a cheap running-mate for Swift is likely going to be through the 2025 NFL Draft.