The Chicago Bears already had a top offense in 2026 under head coach Ben Johnson that featured the NFC’s top ranked rushing offense but it still felt like that unit left way too much meat on the bone for what they could have done.

Outside of the issues with quarterback Caleb Williams that need to be fixed going into 2026, the Bears can still get even better in the run game, which is insane to think about.

Johnson already noted before the start of summer break that he intends to pick the brain of new RBs coach Eric Studesville to study the unique run concepts he helped create with the Miami Dolphins. As far as personnel goes, the Bears intend to run it back in 2026 with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai leading the backfield. Could that eventually change down the road? It’s something Chicago should start thinking about.

ESPN floats the RB upgrade that would put Ben Johnson’s offense into another level

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Ben Solak listed 10 bold predictions for the 2026 season and the Chicago Bears were one of the teams mentioned. The bold prediction for the Bears is that they would acquire Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor is entering into the final year of his contract and negotiations have been quiet surrounding his next deal. Solak believes that if the Colts have a slow start to the season, they might be better off flipping Taylor at the deadline before he walks in free agency.

“If the Colts come out of the gates slow and consider an organizational change midseason, then Taylor surely would draw trade interest. His start to 2025 proved he still has “best RB in the league” potential left in his legs, especially if his total touches are more carefully managed. A playoff-aspiring team that has viable change-of-pace backs but no dominant starter would love to grab Taylor for a one-year rental. Should he perform well, that team could give him that two-year, pay-as-we-go extension that running backs often get with their third contract.”

If that became a possibility, Solak believes the Bears would make perfect sense. I, however, would have to push back against that logic.

Taylor would easily be the best running back Ben Johnson’s had since Jahmyr Gibbs and put this offense into the next level, but I don’t see the Bears willing to make a trade in 2026. I do, however, think Taylor is absolutely an option in 2027.

RB Jonathan Taylor is hoping for an early extension as he heads into the final year of his contract, per @HolderStephen

"When Taylor faced a similar scenario in 2023, it resulted in a contract standoff that lasted two months."

(via @espn) pic.twitter.com/LyOLIPN4A4

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) June 25, 2026

Jonathan Taylor is more of a 2027 wish-list item for the Chicago Bears

When it comes to the 2026 season, I don’t see the Bears making any more big swings (unless the pass rush struggles, forcing the team to acquire someone like Maxx Crosby). The Bears believe they can win with the current roster and ideally don’t want to blow up its future for one addition.

Next year, however, running back needs to be on the team’s radar. Swift is entering into the final year of his contract in 2026 and while it had a solid first season back with Ben Johnson, it wasn’t a year that would warrant a new contract. If the Bears could find a way to acquire an upgrade at the position next offseason, they shouldn’t hesitate and Taylor should be at the top of the wish-list.

I would rather see the Bears wait until 2027 to make a run at Jonathan Taylor in free agency than give up assets in 2026. Back in 2024, the Bears made a strong push for Saquon Barkley in free agency and nearly reeled him in. That was before Ben Johnson was a part of the sales pitch to recruit top free agents.

Next offseason, I could easily see the Bears letting Swift walk and going all out to court Taylor to Chicago. When it comes to making a deadline deal in 2026, I just don’t see the benefit of jumping the gun and giving up more assets to make it happen.