The Chicago Bears will expectedly undergo an offensive overhaul during the 2025 NFL offseason under the direction of new head coach Ben Johnson.
During his introductory press conference , Johnson promised he would tear the Bears offense "down to the studs" and rebuild it around quarterback Caleb Williams and Chicago's other star players for the 2025 season.
Could Johnson's rebuild include another significant investment in the running back positions, though, imitating what he had with the Detroit Lions?
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes it might if Aaron Jones is available.
Knox recently predicted the Bears could "lurk as a sleeper destination" for Jones during 2025 NFL free agency if the Minnesota Vikings do not re-sign him. The 30-year-old rusher has spent his entire eight-season career in the NFC North.
"New Bears head coach Ben Johnson knows exactly what Jones can offer after repeatedly facing him as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator," Knox wrote.
"Johnson could also be interested in pairing D'Andre Swift with a back like Jones to form a talented duo like the one he had with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in Detroit. With all due respect to Roschon Johnson, Jones would be an upgrade in Chicago's backfield."
Jones has amassed 7,078 rushing yards, 2,484 receiving yards and 70 total touchdowns over his first eight seasons, spending his first seven with the Green Bay Packers before they cut him three years into his $48 million deal in 2024.
With the Vikings in 2024, Jones finished with the most carries (255) and rushing yards (1,138) of his career while adding 51 catches for 408 yards and scoring seven total touchdowns. He also played all 17 games for the just second time.
That said, the Bears seem an odd fit to sign Jones.
While Jones outperformed Swift in 2024, they are similar running backs in the sense that both are speedy, versatile playmakers who operate best in space. The Bears wouldn't target him to replace for a power back like Johnson.
If anything, the Bears would consider Jones as a replacement for Swift as their starter — and that seems highly unlikely due to the two years remaining on Swift's contract and Jones' increased age. (He turns 31 early next December).
Most likely, the Bears will stay asleep on this one.
