Do the Chicago Bears really need to add to their RB room? Almost everyone seems to think so. Currently, head coach Ben Johnson has D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and rookie Kyle Monangai.
I'm personally a believer in Monangai, but I understand fans having a lack of faith in a seventh-round pick. The thought that the Bears need another RB has reached new heights with speculation the team could a former All-American.
J.K. Dobbins
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On an episode of NFL Insiders, NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha called the Bears the No. 1 landing spot for Dobbins from a fit standpoint. Chadiha wrote:
"Chicago head coach Ben Johnson has gotten nearly everything he could ask for this offseason with one exception: There’s still a question as to whether he’ll be able to replicate the two-headed backfield monster he created when he was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. This is where Dobbins could help immensely. Johnson loved the idea of using the punishing David Montgomery with the electric Jahmyr Gibbs in the Detroit offense. That duo combined for 2,187 rushing yards in powering the league’s highest-scoring offense. As much as the Bears want to unleash quarterback Caleb Williams and a bevy of receivers this fall, improving the run game will go a long way toward making that happen. D’Andre Swift was a prized free-agent acquisition last year, a player who can thrive as a runner and receiver. Dobbins can do the exact same things, as long as he can stay healthy. He’s dealt with two knee injuries and an Achilles tear, but he played well in 13 games with the Chargers in 2024 (running for a career-high 905 yards and scoring nine touchdowns). Dobbins is also 26 years old, which means he would be more attractive than somebody like Nick Chubb, who is a more physical ball-carrier but also turns 30 in December."
Watch the clip from The Insiders segment for full context.
Dobbins is just 26, but he has already had serious lower-body injuries. While I agree he's a better option than Chubb who is 30 years old, I'd be cautious with my excitement if this signing happens.
This becomes even more complicated when considering the presence of Monangai, a physical, low-center-of-gravity back who quietly impressed during rookie minicamp. Even though he's a seventh-round pick, the Bears could gain more long-term clarity by giving him reps now rather than recycling veterans with a limited ceiling.
I'll be honest, I'd rather give Monangai an opportunity before using assets and touches on a veteran.