This is far from the biggest need on the roster but at the request of new head coach Ben Johnson, I fully see a future where the Chicago Bears add another running back to the team to pair with D'Andre Swift.
Statistically, Swift had a solid first season in Chicago after signing a big deal last offseason, but some of the glaring issues always showed up on tape. And the best way to correct those is by having a partner in the backfield to take some pressure off him.
The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft will be loaded with Day 2 talent to look into, but the free agent market is just as ripe for top running back options. Here are some of the top names the Bears should consider signing.
Aaron Jones
In terms of pure do-it-all talent, Aaron Jones should be seen as the top back on the market. After one-year in Minnesota, Jones is expected to hit the market again, although he will receive some interest in running it back with the Vikings.
Jones is a magician out of the backfield, and even if he's on the tail end of his prime, he's still got some solid gas left in the tank, as shown in 2024.
He's not exactly the complement you'd want to pair with Swift, but he's an exciting player nonetheless who offers a lot of value to an offense in more ways than one.
Najee Harris
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached a crossroads this offseason and need to make some kind of major adjustment, for better or worse to try and get over the hump. Parting ways with Najee Harris will be a tough option, but it's best for both sides.
Harris has been the staple of health and consistency. Since being drafted in 2021, Harris has played all 17 games in all four seasons and eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of those four seasons.
He's a downhill-style back which fits what Ben Johnson should be searching for in his new "Knuckles" as a bruiser. His kind of style and level of consistency should be enticing, although expensive, for the Bears.
Javonte Williams
A much cheaper option on the market will likely be Javonte Williams, although he would have to be more of a restoration project for Ben Johnson.
Since his rookie season where he totaled 1,219 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns, Williams has only racked up 2,141 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns in the previous three seasons combined.
Williams hasn't developed like the Denver Broncos hoped and it seems like another team would have to take on that task. The Bears could be the ones to do so and have him ease some of the burden off Swift. What he lacks for in explosiveness and consistency, he makes up for in pass protection and age.
Nick Chubb
It would be hard to see the Cleveland Browns move on from yet another fan favorite, but, they seem to do it every offseason. Nick Chubb could be the latest out of the building this offseason after returning from a grueling rehab process.
Once back on the field during the 2024 season, Chubb didn't seem like his pre-injury self but still managed play eight games and rush for over 100 attempts, that in itself was remarkable. Another full offseason will be big for Chubb returning to form but betting on that would be a big gamble to make.
Prior to the knee injury, Chubb was one of the best backs in the NFL. From 2019-2022, Chubb averaged 90.6 yards per game and over five yards per carry. It's just whether or not he can return to that level of production again.
AJ Dillon
As far as cheap, bruiser backs go, I would take a look at AJ Dillon. The former Green Bay Packers second-round pick has a desire to return with the Packers in 2025 after missing the entire 2024 season, but the Packers like the options they already have.
Dillon would be incredibly cheap coming off the injury and struggled in 2023 totaling just 613 yards in 15 games. Early in his career, Dillon was a beast running the football and rumbling over defenders.
For some reason, he lost that part of his game in 2023. I have full faith in a coach like Ben Johnson giving Dillon his confidence back and turning him back into a bowling ball out of the backfield.
Kareem Hunt
After wondering if he'd play again in the NFL, Kareem Hunt was given another opportunity by the Kansas City Chiefs and made the most of it in 2024. Hunt rushed for 728 yards and seven touchdowns this season and added another couple of touchdowns during the postseason.
Hunt wanted to redeem himself as a player and was able to do so. Now, Hunt will be wondering if it was enough for another team to give him a shot.
Personally, I would look into some of the top prospects over Hunt, but he's shown to be solid in a rotation and can split a lot of carries if the Bears decided to bring him in.
