Bears post-free agency running back depth chart: An underrated draft need

Now that the Chicago Bears are more than two weeks removed from the start of NFL free agency, it is a good time to look back at the depth chart and see where the team stands.

Do the Bears have enough depth at running back, or could they take a swing in the draft?

Chicago Bears running back depth chart

D’Andre Swift

So much for Swift and Ben Johnson not getting along. Swift went from being potentially in the doghouse of his new coach to setting a career high in rushing yards and touchdowns. The big question now is what happens long term. This is the last year of Swift's contract. Do the Bears get ahead of another big year by signing him now, or does this prove that they can stick anyone in this role and they will thrive?

Kyle Monangai

Monangai became the perfect thunder to the lightning-quick Swift. He posted 783 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie seventh-round pick. The team has him locked down, so his role should grow and, at worst, stay the same.

Roschon Johnson

Johnson has declined every year in the NFL. He went from 81 carries to 55, and last year he had just two attempts. Johnson is in the last year of his deal, and it would not be a shock if they phased him out and brought in real competition.

Brittain Brown

The Bears brought in Brittain Brown, and while he outcarried Johnson last year, the margin was only five to two. Chicago has a nice two-headed punch, but they lack the depth and do not have anyone to potentially move in after Swift leaves. Unless they trust Brown and Johnson more than it appears, there seems to be a hole on the roster.

Deion Hankins

Hankins was an undrafted free agent in 2025 who spent his first season on the Injured Reserve. Now, he will fight for the practice squad.

Will the Chicago Bears draft a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Bears need depth behind Swift and Monangai, and they need a potential long-term replacement for Swift. With that in mind, drafting a running back seems more likely than not.

Still, it will just be a third back at best. The team has two seventh-round picks, and they turned one of those late into Kyle Monangai last season. Chicago should be looking to turn another one of those picks into a speed back who can complement Monangai and give them a future behind Swift.