Aside from the edge position, there’s one spot on the Chicago Bears roster that, honestly, could’ve used a slight upgrade: running back.
Yes, D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai were among the best running back duos in the NFL last year, and Swift had a career year in 2025 after struggling in his first Bears season under Ben Johnson, racking up 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns.
But it’s hard not to wonder if Johnson, who once drafted one of the most dynamic running backs in the league No. 12 overall in Jahmyr
Gibbs, wants a little more juice in his running back room going forward.
The Bears opted not to make a splash at that position in the 2026 NFL Draft aside from taking a flyer on a multidimensional threat in Zavion Thomas, who might some backfield touches, which suggests they might be content to keep that group more or less the same this year.
But if they want to make a splash, ESPN’s Ben Solak has a bold move for Johnson, Ryan Poles, and the Bears: trading for star Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
“Taylor is approaching the last year on his deal, so the Colts will need to decide if they want to give the 27-year-old a big third contract,” Solak explained. “…If the Colts come out of the gates slow and consider an organizational change midseason, then Taylor surely would draw trade interest. His start to 2025 proved he still has ‘best RB in the league’ potential left in his legs, especially if his total touches are more carefully managed. A playoff-aspiring team that has viable change-of-pace backs but no dominant starter would love to grab Taylor for a one-year rental. Should he perform well, that team could give him that two-year, pay-as-we-go extension that running backs often get with their third contract.
“The Bears make perfect sense. D’Andre Swift had a strong 2025 season, but he has not been reliable and has dealt with injuries for much of his career. Kyle Monangai is a likable thumper but not for more than 10 or so carries per game. If the Bears’ offense coalesces into a top-five unit — certainly possible given how they finished the 2025 season — the team might be fishing at the deadline for a field-tipping running back to give it an additional edge. Chicago’s rushing attack led the league in success rate last season, thanks in large part to great line play and excellent scheming from coach Ben Johnson. Now imagine that group with a home run hitter like Taylor breaking into the second level.”
Now, before we get too excited, let’s think realistically about the Bears and their roster decisions. Poles has often hunted for value and bargains rather than taking swings just for the sake of it. Taylor, while awesome, is a luxury more than a need, and the Bears have to be wary of their salary cap situation, especially as massive extensions loom for key young players like quarterback Caleb Williams. What’s more: it might make more sense to keep that money in the tuck in case the Bears find a defensive player—particularly a defensive front guy—that can help that side of the ball more this year.
But man…wouldn’t that be fun?
The idea of Taylor behind a solid, road-grating offensive line lighting up opposing defenses for massive chunk plays while softening teams up for Williams and the young pass-catching corps of Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden III to gash them over the top. (Plus, Taylor is a threat as a pass-catcher, too.)
Given the way the Bears proved they want to play in the colder months—dominating teams by controlling the line of scrimmage—adding Taylor would be a monster addition if the Bears could pull it off without giving up too much.
That last part is the key. With Taylor approaching his late 20s and racking up the miles on his body, it’s conceivable the Bears could get away with giving up an early Day 3 pick—call it a fourth-rounder—to acquire his services. Anything more than that probably has to be a “no” from Chicago’s side.
Here’s the thing: if the Bears are really trying to go all-in before they have to start paying Caleb Williams the GDP of the Marshall Islands, a swing for Taylor might not be the craziest thing in the world, especially if they’re planning on trying to outscore people 49-42 every game.
