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The Chicago Bears head into 2025 with more optimism than they’ve enjoyed in years. Caleb Williams showed enough flashes as a rookie to give fans hope that he can develop into the franchise quarterback the city has long craved. General manager Ryan Poles has spent three straight offseasons loading the offense with talent. Of course, new head coach Ben Johnson was hired to turn potential into production. Yet with all the upgrades, there’s still one glaring weakness holding this roster back: the running back room. If the Bears want to avoid stumbling out of the gate in the NFC North, they may need to make one more move before Week 1.
Questions still surround the Bears’ running back room as the 2025 season approaches. There’s little change from last year’s unit that finished eighth-worst in rushing offense. Aside from seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai, who slots in behind veterans D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, the backfield looks largely the same. Objectively speaking, that’s a concern. With the 53-man roster cutdown deadline looming, teams across the league are already making moves to fine-tune depth. That includes the 49ers’ recent trade for Brian Robinson Jr from Washington. That was a reminder that opportunities to upgrade remain available for those willing to act.
The focus can’t stay solely on potential, either. Williams’ rookie year was statistically solid. Now, though, the expectation is for wins, not just flashes. Poles doubled down on offense with his first three draft picks in 2025, who were tight end Colston Loveland, wideout Luther Burden III, and tackle Ozzy Trapilo. They should give Williams a stronger supporting cast. Yet without a reliable ground game to balance the attack, all that investment risks being wasted. That’s especially true in a tough NFC North where consistency on offense could determine whether Chicago keeps pace or falls further behind.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the last-minute trade that the Chicago Bears must make before Week 1 of 2025 NFL season.
Chicago’s backfield has been more frustrating than productive in recent years. Swift was expected to provide explosiveness but has struggled to stay consistent. Johnson, meanwhile, has failed to develop into the power complement the Bears envisioned. And while Monangai has upside, relying on a seventh-round rookie in meaningful snaps is a risk that could easily backfire.
The result is a running game that lacks punch, balance, and reliability. Williams has shown he can extend plays and move the chains with his legs. However, putting the burden entirely on the young quarterback is a dangerous formula. For Johnson’s offensive system to thrive, the Bears need a proven back who can contribute immediately.
Chicago Bears: 2026 fifth-round pick for RB Rachaad White
This is where Tampa Bay’s Rachaad White comes in. Once the Buccaneers’ lead back, White has become expendable after Bucky Irving’s breakout rookie season in 2024. The former third-round...
