Ben Johnson and his new look Chicago Bears have an extremely promising offense heading into his first years as head coach in Chicago, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze in the wide receiver room, Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland making their tight end core scary, and a new and invigorated offensive line, but one key part of their offense needs some serious upgrading, their backfield, and they could be well in the market for a new number one back this season.
Chicago have had their running back issues for the last couple of seasons following the David Montgomery departure, and with a current backfield group of DeAndre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Travis Homer, their offense is being massively let down by a poor group of running back’s, but they won't shy away from making a big swing next season. But who?
Two options come to mind when talking about running backs on the market, Jacksonville’s Travis Etienne, and Seattle’s Kenneth Walker. Out of the two it seems Etienne looks the most ‘gettable’ player on the trade block with the new addition of Bayshul Tuten, and the blossoming of Tank Bigsby last season, although new head coach Liam Coen has shut down rumours around Etienne being on the trade block, he is most certainly an option, and a big upgrade to the Bears running back room. Despite having an off year, and considered not what he once was, he has proved time, and time again that he is a dual threat, and has experience totalling over 1.400 scrimmage yards in the past. Also, with a cap hit of only $6.1 million for the final remaining year for his deal, if he isn't a year round trade candidate, he is a perfect trade deadline suitor, and the Bears may just have to make the plunge to better their backfield.
Or, they could go big and bold and go for option two. Kenneth Walker III. Walker, who showed extreme talent in his rookie year has had a clear dip in production over the last few years, and has now seen the Seahawks faith move to Zach Charbonnet, giving him the reins as their number one back, meaning a trade for the 24 year old is definitely feasible. In Seattle’s mind, it is a situation where they could move Walker for a measly haul just to get him off the books before his rookie deal ends, and with Charbonnet taking the wheel, they may not be prepared to tender him and offer next and moving him for some assets wouldn't be surprising. Out of the two options, a little for expenses is more than acceptable for the Bears to make a move for Walker, and with bags full of unlocked potential, they could be onto a massive winner, and with Ben Johnson’s love for the run game, he could return to his rookie form, and solve all of Chicago’s ground game issues. You are talking about a fourth or even third round pick in a trade with Seattle for Walker, and looks a real no risk high reward move for the Bears, anything to get any sort of improvement over Swift, a plate Ben John son clearly hasn't favoured over the years.
Of all potential moves this season, Chicago’s quest for a number one running back looks almost certain, and with elite rushing on their mind, and improvement vital for their success next year, some big splashes, and even surprise moves could be made, but Etienne and Walker may be on the move, and either one could be lacing up in the orange and navy next season.
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