Bears May Target Projected $7 Million RB Who ‘Could Bring Some Balance’
Whether the Chicago Bears add another running back promises to be one of the most compelling plot lines of the summer.
The Bears are expected to utilize a run-heavy offense now that head coach Ben Johnson has taken the reins. During his tenure as the Detroit Lions‘ offensive coordinator, Johnson used a dual-back system featuring David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs that yielded nearly 3,000 yards from scrimmage in 2023. The Bears’ top running back, D’Andre Swift, amassed 1,345 yards from scrimmage last season, a career high — but the team doesn’t have anyone capable of sharing the load alongside him as a featured back.
Rumors have circulated that former Cleveland Browns standout Nick Chubb could also be an option, but multiple analysts and insiders close to the team think Dobbins might be Chicago’s best option.
Brad Biggs: RB J.K. Dobbins Makes More Sense for Chicago Bears Than Nick Chubb
As of May 1, Dobbins is an unrestricted free agent, having been tendered by the Los Angeles Chargers. This tender allows the Chargers to receive potential compensatory draft picks in 2026 if Dobbins signs elsewhere by July 22, and considering Los Angeles selected RB Omarion Hampton in the first round of the draft, Dobbins will be looking for other opportunities.
“Dobbins, who is three years younger than Chubb, would make more sense,” insider Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune wrote on April 30.