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Former Broncos running back dubbed free agent fit for Bears

The Chicago Bears have addressed one major key of their offseason this year by hiring Ben Johnson to be their new head coach. Now, the focus shifts on putting talent on the roster, through free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, as they look to turn things around in 2025.

The worst-kept secret in the NFL world is that the Bears have to address their offensive line after allowing a league-high 68 sacks allowed in 2024. Chicago will have a major focus in the trenches, as not only do they need to upgrade their offensive line but their defensive line, as well, as they look to get to opposing quarterbacks much more successfully next season.

Outside of those needs, the hiring of Johnson means there could be new weapons added to the offensive side of the football, including running back. During his time with the Detroit Lions, Johnson established a dominant 1-2 punch at the running back position with speedster Jahmyr Gibbs and bruiser David Montgomery. Back in 2022, before Gibbs and Montgomery arrived, current Bears running back D'Andre Swift played in Detroit for Johnson, and he totaled 931 yards and eight touchdowns.

There has been plenty of speculation that, with Johnson now in Chicago, they'll look to change up their running back room if the opportunity presents itself. Whether it be through the draft or free agency, there is a narrative that the Bears will want to replicate what Johnson did in Detroit with their own running back duo.

Recently, in their free agency running back index, NFL.com named one player that could be a fit for Chicago through free agency, who has ties to the new coaching staff: Denver Broncos running Javonte Williams.

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) runs with the ball.
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) runs with the ball.

NFL.com's Maurice Jones-Drew dubbed Williams a good fit in Chicago, explaining he would give the Bears a speed-power duo to help relieve pressure off quarterback Caleb Williams.

Williams could recreate that chemistry with D'Andre Swift, whom Johnson also worked with in Detroit. Swift is a versatile playmaker in the open field, while Williams can be the bruising back who wears down defenses. A strong running back tandem is where Johnson's offense begins, and together, Williams and Swift can help take pressure off Caleb Williams, whose continued development in the competitive NFC North will be under a microscope.

Ever since suffering a torn ACL in the 2022 season, his sophomore campaign, Williams struggled to find his footing over the last two seasons in Denver. His lack of production and ACL history may lower his price on the open market, and, if the Bears believe they need an upgrade or competitor to Roschon Johnson, they could give the former second-round pick a look to add to their roster.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Former Broncos running back dubbed free agent fit for Bears

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