The Chicago Bears turned more than a few heads in Ben Johnson’s first year at the helm. With a revamped offense and a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams showing real signs of promise, Chicago looked like a team finally on the rise. Johnson, known for his offensive creativity, wasted no time reshaping the unit-rebuilding the offensive line, unlocking a dynamic ground game, and guiding Williams through his most complete season yet.
But with success often comes staff turnover, and the Bears weren’t immune. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle departed for a play-calling role with the Baltimore Ravens, prompting the Bears to promote passing game coordinator Press Taylor into the OC role. It’s not a shake-the-foundation kind of move-Johnson still holds the keys to the offense-but Taylor’s elevation could have ripple effects, particularly in the backfield.
Roschon Johnson’s Role in Limbo
For Roschon Johnson, the timing couldn’t be worse. The third-year back has had a stop-start career in Chicago since being drafted in the fourth round back in 2023.
His rookie season showed flashes-352 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and 34 receptions for 209 yards-but his role has steadily diminished. In year two, he saw a dip in production, and by 2025, he was nearly invisible in the offense: just two carries across seven games, hampered by foot, thumb, and back injuries that derailed any chance at momentum.
Then came the emergence of Kyle Monangai, a seventh-round pick who leapfrogged Johnson on the depth chart almost immediately. And with D’Andre Swift entrenched as the lead back, Johnson found himself on the outside looking in.
Now, with Press Taylor stepping into a larger offensive role, Johnson’s grip on a roster spot is growing increasingly tenuous.
Taylor’s Track Record and What It Could Mean
Taylor’s past doesn’t scream “ground-and-pound.” During his time as offensive coordinator in Jacksonville, his rushing attacks never cracked the top 13 in the league.
But he did work with Travis Etienne, a versatile back who’s made a name for himself as one of the NFL’s most dynamic runners. That connection could be worth watching, especially with Etienne expected to hit the free agent market.
The Bears face a financial crossroads in the backfield. Swift comes with an $8.8 million cap hit next season, and while he’s been productive, that’s a big number for a team that may want to reallocate resources elsewhere. Cutting Swift would free up $7.4 million, which could open the door for a younger, potentially more explosive option-whether that’s Etienne or someone else.
Even if Swift stays, adding a player like Etienne would shift the depth chart dramatically. Monangai’s role could shrink, and Johnson’s could vanish altogether.
Draft Implications: Another Back Incoming?
If the Bears don’t make a splash in free agency, the draft presents another route. While GM Ryan Poles hasn’t shown a tendency to trade up in the first round, last season’s success might embolden him to take a more aggressive approach. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is a name that’s been floated as a potential fit, though it’s just as likely Chicago looks to the mid-to-late rounds to find a developmental back who can compete for snaps and possibly push Johnson off the roster.
Taylor may not be the loudest voice in the room when it comes to personnel decisions-that’s still Johnson’s lane-but as the new offensive coordinator, he’ll have input. And if that input includes a preference for a different kind of backfield rotation, Johnson could find himself the odd man out.
The Road Ahead for Roschon Johnson
It’s a tough spot for Johnson. Once a promising rookie with a versatile skill set, he’s now fighting uphill against injuries, depth chart movement, and a new offensive coordinator who may have different ideas about how to build the backfield.
If the Bears bring in another back-whether it’s Etienne, a mid-round rookie, or someone else-Johnson’s time in Chicago could be nearing its end. And while that would mark a disappointing close to his tenure with the Bears, it might also offer a fresh start elsewhere.
For now, Johnson’s future hangs in the balance, and the next few months-free agency, the draft, offseason workouts-will go a long way in determining whether he’s still wearing navy and orange come Week 1.