Bears RB coach Eric Studesville offers insight on why Chicago made a new addition to the team’s backfield heading into OTAs
The Chicago Bears officially announced the signing of running back Salvon Ahmed on Thursday and hours later RBs coach Eric Studesville explained what the Bears are getting in the veteran back.
The Chicago Bears officially announced the signings of running back Salvon Ahmed and safety Anthony Johnson Jr. on Thursday along with the release of 2025 undrafted free agent running back Deion Hankins ahead of OTAs.
Both positions needed some reinforcement coming out of rookie minicamp and the addition of Ahmed is the most intriguing given the team’s current makeup in the backfield.
D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai are the clear one-two punch after each of them rushed for 750+ yards last season but the RB3 spot behind those two is wide open. Ahmed has some history with new running backs coach Eric Studesville during their time together in Miami, but that connection’s not going to guarantee him anything after joining the roster.
Chicago Bears RBs coach Eric Studesville breaks down the signing of Salvon Ahmed
“It was just an opportunity to get a guy that is a veteran player,” Studesville said of the decision to sign Ahmed, via Clocker Sports. “He’s moving around really good. He had an injury last year, but he’s recovered from that. I think it’s just another piece of the puzzle. We don’t really know what pieces we’re going to need at this point in time. The opportunity to have another piece, I think is always valuable.”
Ahmed joined the Dolphins in 2020 and had a decent first season with the team rushing for 319 yards and three touchdowns while adding 11 receptions for 61 yards while playing behind Myles Gaskin. After that season, his rushing production began to dip playing behind Gaskin, Raheem Mostert, and eventually De’Von Achane.
Even though his rushing numbers dipped, Ahmed still played 32 games from 2021-2023 and eventually started working his way into a special teams role (70 ST snaps in 2023). He was known for his elite acceleration although his vision struggled at times, which sounds similar to the strengths and weaknesses Swift brings to the table.
With the RB3 position up for grabs, Ahmed can compete for a roster spot this summer against Brittain Brown, Roschon Johnson, and Coleman Bennett. With his speed and big-play potential, Ahmed makes for an intriguing signing to watch once the players hit the field. At the very least, Ahmed could be a practice squad stash for this team in case anything were to happen to Swift to be able to replace the speed he brings to the offense.