Bears’ 25-year-old weapon could seek NFC North revenge if released

The Chicago Bears‘ backfield is definitely a bit crowded right now. D’Andre Swift is clearly the lead running back, but Kyle Monangai has emerged as the No. 2. That has left Roschon Johnson on the outside looking in.

There was a time a few years ago when it appeared that Johnson could establish himself as one of the Bears’ top weapons. During his rookie campaign in 2023, he rushed for 352 yards and a couple of touchdowns while catching 34 passes for 209 yards. He did that while sharing the backfield with Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman.

Since then, however, Johnson’s production — and playing time — has decreased, and it has gotten to the point where it looks like Chicago may end up cutting ties with the 25-year-old heading into the 2026 campaign.

A former fourth-round pick who flashed some decent potential at Texas, Johnson would be sure to get picked up by someone if the Bears released him, and Dharya Sharma of The Sporting News has gone as far to say that he could ultimately land with the Green Bay Packers.

Chicago Bears could lose Roschon Johnson to Green Bay Packers

The Packers lost Emanuel Wilson to free agency and haven’t really replaced him, so Johnson could definitely make sense as a backup to Josh Jacobs in Green Bay.

“Dallas and Green Bay already have high-level starters in their backfields in Javonte Williams and Josh Jacobs. However, both teams have a ton of questions behind their top guys, as the Cowboys are banking on Jaydon Blue to step up, while the Packers are waiting to see whether MarShawn Lloyd can put it together in his third season,” Sharma wrote.

Johnson would almost surely get more playing time in Green Bay than he would in Chicago next season.

Last year, the Port Arthur, Tx. native carried the ball just twice for 17 yards, as Monangai — a 2025 seventh-round pick — carved out a significant role in the offense and became one of the NFL’s most pleasant surprises.

That doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for Johnson heading into 2026, so he would actually benefit from the Bears releasing him.

“Johnson has already proved that he can flourish in a power back role, and the young playmaker would pair well with Williams or Jacobs in that case,” Sharma added.

Johnson is heading into the final year of his contract, and Chicago would save $1.1 million by cutting him. We’ll see what the Bears decide to do.

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