The Chicago Bears are actively looking to bolster their running back position after only drafting Kyle Monangai in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite having added Monangai, the team remains connected to several top running backs available on the free agency market.
Current free agent options include notable names like Nick Chubb and JK Dobbins, both of whom are grappling with significant injuries, which may explain their status as free agents. However, there are still valuable players available, and the Bears’ new head coach Ben Johnson is exploring potential additions.
One player that stands out is Jamaal Williams, who remains unsigned after a contentious season with the New Orleans Saints. Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron suggests that the Bears would benefit from signing Williams, especially given his successful history under Johnson’s offensive scheme. During the 2022 season with the Detroit Lions, where Johnson served as offensive coordinator, Williams led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns and achieved over 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career.
Despite a frustrating year with the Saints—where he had limited opportunities with only 164 yards on 48 carries—Williams has the potential to thrive in Johnson’s offensive system where he previously excelled. Notably, Williams would also rejoin his former Lions teammate, D’Andre Swift, which could enhance the team’s dynamic in the backfield. Their earlier partnership saw them both achieve commendable statistics, providing optimism on how they could perform together again.
As the Bears look ahead, the team may wait until training camp to further assess their roster before making additional moves at running back. If their evaluation reveals a need for more depth, Williams could emerge as a viable candidate to address those concerns.
In a broader context, with the NFL landscape continuously evolving, the Bears’ strategic approach to player acquisitions, especially under a new coaching regime, remains a critical aspect of their chances for success in the upcoming season.