Ben Johnson made it clear he loved a lot of the roster that GM Ryan Poles had already built. He didn’t call the Chicago Bears a sleeping giant for no reason. However, like any new head coach, he undoubtedly has his own vision for certain players he’d like to have (or not have) on the roster moving forward. That is not to say everybody is on the chopping block. This won’t be the case. Johnson didn’t come here to tear everything down and start over. He came to win. However, he might push for an overhaul in at least one position.
Based on his track record, the one to watch is running back. Johnson loves running the football. He proved that during his three years in Detroit. One of the first big moves he signed off on was trading D’Andre Swift to Philadelphia in the spring of 2023. It was the first step in a total overhaul of the position that eventually landed David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes Johnson will duplicate that decision again this off-season.
Bears Get: 2025 5th-round pick
Raiders Get: RB D’Andre Swift
As the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, new Bears lead skipper Ben Johnson coached Swift, utilizing the versatile running back’s skill set as a ball-carrier and receiver.
However, Swift only played in Johnson’s system for one season (2022), because Detroit traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2023 offseason. The Lions and Eagles swapped seventh-rounders, and Detroit also acquired a 2025 fourth-rounder in the deal…
…Johnson may—again—approve a trade that would send Swift to another team. If so, the Raiders would be a logical fit.
Ben Johnson would be picking a good time to do this.
There are a few reasons. Despite his pedestrian 3.8 yards per carry last season, Swift still managed over 1300 total yards from scrimmage. His value as a backfield weapon was undiminished. So he should have trade value since he’s still only 26 years old. A 5th round pick to a needy team is hardly outlandish. The other part of this is the incoming draft class. Most experts agree that running back might be the deepest and most talented position group of this 2025 cycle. There are starting-caliber players expected to be available deep into day two and even early on day three. Ben Johnson could land two quality options in one draft if the Bears manage their resources properly. Nothing is set in stone, but if there is a surprise move coming, this feels like one to watch.
Ben just put the kaibash on how he ran Swift out of Detroit. He just talked about him and said he is an explosive back in both the run and pass game and he’s looking forward to working with him again. id like to address a couple of points raised in this discussion. Drafting Janty or adding another back is fine. Swift is not a complete RB Trading Swift for a 5th round pick is beyond stupid. Adding another back with skills is wise. Swifts time in Detroit was only one year with Penei Sewel and Frank Ragnow on the… Read more »
I’m sure I will get crucified for this, but I still want them to use the 10th to grab Janty. While they need pass protection help, another way to slow a pass rush is to have a dominant running game. They passed on Bijan, and most reports on Janty have him as a borderline “generational player”. I would love to see this new HC throw some plays in that work like they did for Gibbs in Detroit, and I think Janty could pull those off. PLUS I would love to see Jalen Carter sucking wind trying to catch Janty instead… Read more »
When you talk about those yards per carry numbers it should also be mentioned that Swift had 2 of the best OL to run behind before 2024.
Absolutely on point Kris.
Oh, what do you know, another 5th round pick. They’ve had soooomuch success drafting at the back of the draft, right? First context, Swift was not run out by Johnson, Detroit signed Montgomery and surprised everyone by drafting Jamir Gibbs. Next, pay attention to Swifts per carry avg 4.6, 4.1, 4.6, 5.5 and 3.8. Please figure out which was under Waldrin if those other seasons are acceptable averages from a RB. Next, check out his number of 50+ yard runs. He’s still a HR hitting RB (Bears don’t have many HR hitters) that can be paired with a workhorse you… Read more »