The Chicago Bears are in the early stages of creating this new team, and offense, centered around what new head coach Ben Johnson wants to accomplish.

As the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, Johnson led one of the most prolific units in recent memory, however, he made sure to note that he's not looking to build a carbon copy system with the Bears.

Still, it's clear what some of the issues where that forced the unit to struggle during quarterback Caleb Williams' rookie season. Two of the most glaring issues involved the pass protection up-front and the consistency in the run game.

In terms of establishing the run, the Bears quickly went out last offseason in free agency to sign D'Andre Swift as the team's lead back. Statistically, Swift put together a solid first season in Chicago, but it was clear he needs some help carrying the load and keeping the attack balanced on the ground.

With the Lions, Johnson's claim to fame in the run game was implementing a two-back system, including in 2022 when he worked with Swift.

In 2024, the Bears' next leading rusher at the position was Roschon Johnson, who only saw 55 carries for 150 yards during the entire season. Because of that, many speculated whether the Bears would look to add a new RB to the room this offseason.

Well, on Tuesday, general manager Ryan Poles seemed to confirm those suspicions while talking with reporters at the 2025 Scouting Combine.

"We're gonna take a look at, again, what's available to us," Poles explained. "I really believe it lines up where the additions that we're going have over these next two kind of player acquisition periods, of free agency and the draft, we'll be in a position to have a strong run game. Stay balanced, which in turn helps a quarterback out."

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That certainly sounds like some kind of addition will be made to help the entire operation become more balanced. And given Johnson's background and Swift's skillset, that likely means adding a bruiser back to the offense.

Free Agent Options

On the open market, two backs in particular fit that mold: Najee Harris and Nick Chubb. However, both players will command a solid market and the Bears are already will have over a $9 million cap on Swift's contract.

A cheaper option to fill that role on the market would be AJ Dillon, although he's coming off a season-ending injury and a down year before that with the Green Bay Packers. With that being said, the draft might be the best route to go at RB.

Draft Options

This year's draft is loaded with running back talent, especially on Day 2 of the draft (where the Bears hold three different selections).

Players such as Kaleb Johnson, Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson, and Omarion Hampton have all been linked to the Bears throughout the early draft process.

And don't rule out 2024 Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty. Landing Jeanty would have to require spending the 10th overall pick on a running back, but Jeanty is a top talent in the draft and Johnson is coming from a team that used the 12th overall pick to select Jahmyr Gibbs, a move that has worked out perfectly for the Lions.

Either way, it seems like Johnson and Poles recognize this is a real need on offense and will be looking to add someone to the backfield in some capacity.

Bears Ryan Poles might have slipped up and accidentally revealed offseason plans at one crucial position, but it might not be what you think

This was certainly interesting to hear.