An easily forgotten Bear could become sneaky trade asset around the draft

With another big trade target spoken for, the possibilities for the Chicago Bears to make any notable moves over the rest of this offseason now rest with the draft and maneuvering around the board for any particular prospects they like. And, there's nothing wrong with that.

But that doesn't mean some lower-end moves couldn't happen in the time around or during the upcoming draft.

In response to a tweet from NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah regarding the depth of this year's draft class at wide receiver, edge rusher, and offensive line, and noting the lack of depth at running back, Brendan Sugrue of Bears Wire offered up a potential trade candidate.

It's fair to say Roschon Johnson, as was the case for many players, was not properly utilized by Matt Eberflus' coaching staff. Any idea that would change under a new coaching staff was also crushed quickly by the immediate emergence of Kyle Monangai, and Johnson had just two rushing attempts in seven games last season.

Could Roschon Johnson be a sneaky trade asset for the Bears?

Johnson is so far on the back burner that it doesn't even stand out how there's a good chance he won't make the Bears' 53-man roster this year. If a running back is drafted, he might be let go before training camp.

That said, Johnson has shown some promise when he has had any kind of noticeable offensive role. As a rookie in 2023, he averaged a solid 4.3 yards per carry with 34 receptions over fewer than 400 offensive snaps. In 2024, he showed some goal line prowess (six rushing touchdowns) along with having the 7th-best rushing success rate (47.27 percent, according to Stat Rankings) among running backs with at least 50 attempts.

However, the parting of ways happens; Johnson has almost surely played his last snap as a Bear. But he also, if only theoretically, has a good bit of untapped potential with a lot of tread left on the tires at 25 years old. Teams with room on their running back depth chart may have noticed what he did in small samples over his first two seasons and be mildly intrigued.

The Bears wouldn't get more than a conditional sixth- or seventh-round pick in a trade for Johnson, with the condition sure to be that he makes the new team's 53-man roster out of training camp. But taking that chance on getting something for him is better than just cutting him, even if it's only a late-Day 3 pick in return.

Read more: NFL analyst offers player Ben Johnson may pound the table for Bears to draft

A shallow rookie running back class may bring some unexpected trade action Ryan Poles' way regarding Johnson. If that happens, the Bears' general manager would do well to get whatever he can before the looming move to simply cut bait with the former fourth-round pick.

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