Ben Johnson might be looking to reunite with an old friend in Chicago by working out a player who set a franchise record with the Detroit Lions
This would make a lot of sense.
As the Chicago Bears get ready for tomorrow’s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, the coaching staff is using the players’ day off on Saturday to see how they can upgrade the roster.
Which includes hosting a workout with an old friend of head coach Ben Johnson who could immediately boost a key position on offense.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears had former Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams in the building for a workout.
Williams previously played for the New Orleans Saints the last two seasons, totaling 470 yards and two touchdowns. But, the season prior in 2022, Williams had a historic season in Detroit playing under the Bears’ new head coach.
That season, Williams set a Lions single-season franchise record with a league-leading 17 touchdowns, passing a record previously held by Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders.
Reuniting in Chicago would be the perfect fit for all three parties involved. Williams is looking to get his career back on track after a frustrating stint in New Orleans and Johnson has the perfect role for him to potentially slide into.
Williams would also be reuniting with D’Andre Swift, his former running mate from that season in Detroit. Together, Williams and Swift combined for 1,608 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns as the original Ben Johnson “thunder and lightning” duo.
After already reuniting with Swift in Chicago, Johnson has been spending the offseason looking to see who the potential power-back would be to complement Swift’s game. The lead candidates have been Roschon Johnson and seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai.
Johnson looked strong in short-yardage and goal-line situations last season, totaling six touchdowns on 55 carries. Based on what we’ve seen out of camp, Johnson is seemingly in line for a similar offensive role, but he did suffer a foot injury earlier this week.
As for Monangai, the rookie has quickly impressed throughout the spring and summer. The team’s head coach already referred to him as someone the offense can trust in the fall. He brings a similar physical style of play along with excellent protection skills.
It’d would be interesting to see how Williams fits into this room. But, one thing we learned the last few months is that Ben Johnson wants to force competition into every position on this roster. Adding a player with some scheme familiarity like Williams can help push players Johnson and Monangai throughout the remainder of camp and the preseason.
Chicago Bears News
Tyson Bagent as the starter and an ongoing LT competition headline the Bears’ top players and position battles to watch vs. Dolphins
These players need to show out.
| Be part of the A to Z Sports community and vote in our latest Chicago Bears poll as the preseason gets underway. |
