The Chicago Bears had a busy offseason, highlighted by key additions to their offense. They could make one more signing to round out their roster.
The Bears hired Ben Johnson as their new head coach. The team also traded for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson to sure up the interior of their offensive line. They also signed Drew Dalman to be their new center. Many expected the Bears to draft a running back early in the draft to complement D’Andre Swift in Johnson’s offense.
The Bears did not draft a running back until the seventh round, when they selected Kyle Monangai from Rutgers University. ClutchPoints’ Enzo Flojo suggested the Bears should target Nick Chubb as a free agent. Chubb is a four-time Pro Bowler, but has struggled with injuries the last two seasons. He is still not 30 years old and could be a high-upside addition for the Bears.
“If there’s a marriage that feels natural, it’s Chubb and the Chicago Bears,” wrote Glojo. “Yes, Chicago added a few bodies to the running back room this offseason. Still, they waited until the seventh round of the NFL Draft to address the position. That signaled a lack of true urgency to upgrade. D’Andre Swift is the presumed lead back, but he’s always thrived more as a change-of-pace, receiving-oriented option. Pairing him with a seasoned, physical runner like Chubb would give Chicago a far more balanced and punishing attack.”
Chubb was arguably the best running back in the NFL before injuries derailed him. However, now he is two years removed from his major knee injury and could be ready to bounce back. He may not be the player he once was, but the Bears would not need him to carry a full workload.
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“Under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears figure to implement a more dynamic offensive scheme centered around Caleb Williams,” wrote Flojo. “Chubb could act as a steady veteran presence. He could protect the rookie quarterback with reliable short-yardage gains and clock control. He wouldn’t need to shoulder a full workload, too. That’s ideal for a player working his way back to form, but his presence could elevate the entire backfield. At this stage of his career, Chubb’s value isn’t just in stats; it’s in what he unlocks for others.”
Chubb could sign on a cheap “prove it” style deal, but could have high upside. Williams is a young quarterback learning a new system. Having a veteran like Chubb in the backfield could help.
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