The Bears could still add a little to their roster
The Chicago Bears roster is vastly improved from 2024. They haven’t bled too much talent, but they’ve added significant help to their offensive and defensive line, added a couple more weapons for Caleb Williams on offense and have extended a couple of their key players on defense as well.
But a vastly improved roster doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any holes.
Would you rather the Chicago Bears sign a veteran running back or a defensive lineman?
If the Bears were to sign a veteran to their roster at this point, there are two spots on the roster where that would most likely be, either an additional running back to boost that room, or an additional defensive lineman to add some depth there as well.
Veteran running backs include Nick Chubb and JK Dobbins. The Bears could also trade for someone like Kenneth Walker or Breece Hall.
Veterans across the defensive line include ZaDarius Smith, Matthew Judon, and John Cominsky. Jadaveon Clowney was also just released by the Panthers.
My answer: I think it’s still hard to answer the defensive line situation because I haven’t seen a straight answer as to how the Bears think Shemar Turner will be utilized in Dennis Allen’s defense. If they see him primarily as an interior player, their depth on the Edge is light; if they see him primarily as an edge player, they have decent depth both inside and outside.
To me, I still have a hard time believing that Ben Johnson is comfortable with D’Andre Swift as his RB1. I could absolutely have the wrong read on the situation, and while I think we can all agree Swift isn’t the Bears long-term answer at running back, perhaps Johnson is okay making it work with him in 2025.
Perhaps that’s the situation, I just don’t see it at this point. While the Bears have been tied to Nick Chubb as rumors swirled out of Cleveland after the draft. If the Bears signed any player remaining that I would want, it would be JK Dobbins.
Dobbins has had an impossible time staying healthy throughout his career, but when he plays, he’s effective. Dobbins was with the Chargers last year and rushed for over 900 yards with a 4.6 yards per carry average in 13 games played. If he came to Chicago and produced a similar number, it would be a big boost to the running back room.
Dobbins has been in the league for five years, but unfortunately, he’s played the equivalent of two full seasons over five years. He missed 2021 entirely, played 8 games in 2022, just 1 in 2023, before bouncing back and playing 13 in 2024.
Dobbins is certainly a risk, but the Bears would have deph behind him if he was hurt, but if he stays relatively healthy, Dobbins could be an effective RB1 in Chicago this season.
What do you say, Bears fans? Do you agree? Is JK Dobbins your pick for a veteran to sign? Or would you rather have someone across the DL like Zadarius Smith or Jadaveon Clowney? Sound off below in the comments section!