Chicago Bears urged to add Ben Johnson favorite to backfield

With seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai being the only running back the Chicago Bears added in the 2025 NFL Draft, the franchise is still in search of help at the position. In turn, the Bears have been connected to many of the top running backs available in free agency.

At this stage, many of those names are dealing with lengthy injuries, such as Nick Chubb and JK Dobbins. Overall, there’s a reason each players remains a free agent. But at the same time, that doesn’t mean there isn’t value out there that Chicago can add to their roster.

New head coach Ben Johnson is certainly scouring the wire to see who is available. He won’t have to look far to see old friend Jamaal Williams remains unsigned. Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus argues the Bears should attempt to add the running back into the mix.

“Ben Johnson’s offense in Detroit functioned at its best with a strong two-headed backfield,” Cameron wrote. “While J.K. Dobbins and Nick Chubb are popular options, their fits in Johnson’s outside zone-heavy scheme aren’t ideal. Luckily for Chicago, Johnson is very familiar with Jamaal Williams, who is still a free agent.”

“Williams experienced his best season as a pro while playing under Johnson in 2022, leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns (17) and posting his first 1,000-yard season,” Cameron continued. “The move would also reunite Williams with his former backfield mate in D’Andre Swift.”

Jamaal Williams gives Chicago Bears their thunder 

Starting with the negatives, Williams is coming off of a brutal season with the New Orleans Saints. Despite playing in 14 games, he received just 48 carries, running for 164 yards and a touchdown. Clearly phased out of the Saints’ gameplan, Williams entered free agency with a giant question mark over his head.

But if there is one coach to can extract any rushing juice out of Williams, it’s Johnson. The running back led the NFL in 2022 with 17 rushing touchdowns as a member of the Detroit Lions. Johnson was the team’s offensive coordinator at that time. While Williams hasn’t had double digit touchdowns in any other campaign, it’s at least a sign that he can succeed in Johnson’s offense.

Furthermore, the Bears’ running back search is based around finding a compliment for D’Andre Swift. Both he and Williams overlapped on the Lions from 2020-2021. Both seasons, Williams had 500+ rushing yards and at least two touchdowns. Swift had eight rushing touchdowns in 2020 and 827 rushing yards in 2021, going over 500 yards and five touchdowns each season.

Of course, their partnership was nearing over half a decade ago. Both are different runners, as the Bears’ scheme is sure to look a lot different than it did on the Lions. However, if Johnson wants a running back he can trust, he at least knows what to expect in Williams.

The Bears are likely going to wait until training camp to add a running back. Things can always change if the right opportunity presents itself. But Johnson and his new staff at least want to see what they have on their roster already before making any drastic decisions. If they don’t like what they see however, Williams could be an option to plug the hole should be remain available in free agency.