Roschon Johnson and the Chicago Bears could be facing a difficult decision as the team continues shaping its roster before the 2026 NFL season. Once viewed as a promising young contributor in the backfield, Johnson has recently emerged as a player some analysts believe could become a cap casualty as Chicago evaluates its depth chart and long-term plans.
The former Texas standout entered the league with a reputation for toughness, versatility and leadership. Throughout his time with the Bears, Johnson has shown flashes of those qualities while contributing in a variety of roles. His willingness to embrace special teams responsibilities and provide depth at running back has made him a respected member of the roster. However, the NFL’s competitive nature often forces teams to make difficult choices when balancing production, finances and future roster construction.
Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
One factor working against Johnson is the increasingly crowded running back room in Chicago. The Bears have continued investing resources into their offense while looking for the best possible combination of playmakers around quarterback Caleb Williams. As younger players emerge and competition intensifies, roster spots become more difficult to secure. Analysts have pointed to that growing competition as one reason Johnson’s position may be less secure than it once appeared.
Financial considerations also play a role in these discussions. Teams constantly search for ways to maximize roster flexibility, and players viewed as replaceable often become candidates for release. While Johnson’s contract may not represent a major financial burden compared to other positions, every dollar matters when organizations are attempting to allocate resources efficiently across the roster. The Bears must determine whether his contributions justify his place compared to alternative options.
NFL Analysis Predicts Chicago Bears to Let Roschon Johnson Go Ahead of 2026 Season
Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Johnson is projected to be let go by Chicago ahead of the new NFL season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Alex Kay for Bleacher Report.
Roschon Johnson has been a major letdown for the Chicago Bears ever since landing with the club as a fourth-rounder in the 2023 draft. His disappointing trajectory could lead to his release this offseason.
While Johnson showed some glimpses of talent during his rookie campaign—finishing with 352 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 81 carries—he’s gone on to regress in back-to-back seasons. Johnson managed to score a career-high six touchdowns on the ground in 2024, but still averaged an abysmal 2.7 yards per carry on his 55 totes.
Despite the speculation, Johnson still has opportunities to strengthen his standing within the organization. Coaches value dependable players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game, and his versatility remains an asset. A strong showing during training camp and preseason competition could help solidify his role while reminding decision-makers of the value he brings to the team. NFL rosters are rarely finalized without surprises, and strong performances can quickly change perceptions.
As the regular season approaches, Johnson’s future with the Bears remains one of the more intriguing situations to monitor. The competition for roster spots will be intense, and difficult decisions are inevitable as Chicago works toward its goal of becoming a contender. Whether he remains with the Bears or eventually finds an opportunity elsewhere, Johnson possesses the qualities that have allowed him to carve out a place in the league. The coming months will determine where the next chapter of his career unfolds.