Bears linked to high-profile RB in long-term roster projection

The Chicago Bears ended their first preseason game of 2025 in a 24-24 tie with the Miami Dolphins. And while Ben Johnson and his coaching staff are fixated on getting this year’s roster right, general manager Ryan Poles and his staff must factor the team’s long-term outlook into every decision they make, even after Week 1 of the preseason.

One of the positions that will be in the crosshairs of that decision-making process is running back. Incumbent starter D’Andre Swift signed a three-year, $24 million contract in 2024. However, his dead cap amount drops to just $1.3 million if the Bears part ways with him in 2026.

Rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai has upside — he ran six times for 30 yards in his debut. But unless he greatly surpasses his scouting report’s projection, running back could rank at or near the top of Poles’ to-do list next year.

It’s why the Chicago Bears were recently connected to one of the highest-profile soon-to-be free-agent running backs in a breakdown of every team’s long-term needs: RB Breece Hall.

Breece Hall could push Chicago Bears’ offense to the next level

“The Bears are heading toward a tight cap situation in 2026,” Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine wrote. “They are projected to be $9.5 million over the cap heading into the offseason. However, clearing enough cap space to pay for a running back should be doable and Breece Hall figures to be one of the most intriguing names who could be available.

“He has struggled to live up to the expectations of being an early second-rounder. We’re waiting on his first 1,000-yard rushing season. But the Jets haven’t been a picture of offensive stability or even blocking during his time in New York. A fresh start in a Ben Johnson offense could be appealing for both parties.”

We’re a long way from the Chicago Bears ranking their must-have free agents. But outlooks like this help filter how fans should evaluate the roster throughout the regular season.

And remember: Hall has been the subject of trade speculation all offseason. Perhaps the Bears will pull the trigger on him sooner than we think.

For now, young players like Monangai and even Roschon Johnson have a chance to prove to Poles and the Bears organization that they already have their RB of the future.

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