(670 The Score) During his 13 years in the Chiefs’ front office, Bears general manager Ryan Poles watched a philosophy take shape and be implemented in Kansas City.
Like many teams over the last decade, the Chiefs were reluctant to sign running backs to a second contract. They subscribed to the belief that effective running backs could be acquired without breaking the bank. Kansas City’s leading rushers during Poles’ tenure from 2009-'21 included the likes of Kareem Hunt, Damien Williams, Darrel Williams and Spencer Ware, each of whom played on rookie contracts or low-cost veteran deals.
Poles took a different approach in his third offseason in Chicago, with the Bears signing running back D’Andre Swift to a three-year, $24-million contract last March. Chicago was ripe with salary cap space and preparing to welcome in quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. Poles wanted to elevate the offense around Williams, so he was willing to pay a premium at running back in an attempt to create an efficient running game.
It looks like a bad gamble after one year. Swift struggled in his first season with the Bears, averaging a career-worst 3.8 yards per carry while too often being swallowed up in the backfield. His ineffective play came in large part due to the offensive line's struggles. The Bears ranked 25th in the NFL with 102.0 rushing yards per game.
Upon reflection, Poles entered this offseason willing to reconsider the Bears’ backfield.
“We’re going to take a look at what’s available to us,” Poles said at the NFL Combine in February. “I really believe it lines up with the additions we’re going to have over these next two player acquisition periods of free agency and the draft. We’ll be in a position to have a strong run game, to stay balanced, which in turn helps the quarterback out.”
The Bears recently made additions to bolster their offensive line. They acquired All-Pro guard Joe Thuney from the Chiefs and guard Jonah Jackson from the Rams in a pair of trades in early March, then signed center Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42-million deal in free agency.
What the Bears haven’t done yet is overhaul their running back position. Swift remains the starter at the position – at least for now.
The Bears passed on the likes of Najee Harris (Chargers), Javonte Williams (Cowboys), Aaron Jones (Vikings) and Rico Dowdle (Panthers) in free agency. They kicked the tires on the 29-year-old Hunt, who re-signed with the Chiefs. The top backs currently available on the open market are Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins, who have each dealt with significant injuries in recent years. Neither seems likely to land in Chicago. If one did, he would only have a rotational role alongside Swift.
With the NFL Draft looming in a month, it’s becoming more apparent the Bears will look for their next running back there.
That starts with the possibility of the Bears drafting Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 10 overall. He rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last season while leading the Broncos to the College Football Playoff.
Jeanty is the top running back in this draft class, and he would create a fascinating dilemma at Halas Hall if he's available at No. 10. In the eyes of many across the NFL, talented running backs like Jeanty represent a final piece of the puzzle or a luxury selection for a team ready to win. The Bears have improved this offseason but are coming off a 5-12 campaign and still have glaring needs across their roster.
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson was in Detroit when the Lions selected dynamic running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Since then, Gibbs has 31 touchdowns in 32 games across his first two NFL seasons. Of course, the key point is the Lions also had a roster ready to take off when they selected Gibbs.
If the Bears were to select Jeanty at No. 10 overall, they'd be declaring themselves a true contender and taking on some degree of risk as it relates to their long-term trajectory. In the big picture, it's often wiser to add an offensive lineman, pass rusher or defensive tackle when a roster still has needs at any of those positions.
The more prudent move for the Bears could be to look for a running back outside of the first round. Cam Skattebo (Arizona State), TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), Kaleb Johnson (Iowa) and Omarion Hampton (North Carolina) are part of the next wave of running backs in this draft class. They're accomplished college rushers who project to be starters in the NFL.
The Bears own picks Nos. 39 and 41 in the second round, offering them an opportunity to select a dynamic running back. They could also wait until the later rounds and attempt to identify a potential diamond in the rough. That approach would surely lean on Johnson's perspective regarding the ideal fit for his offense.
Back in 2017, Poles watched as the then-rookie Hunt, who was selected in the third round, rushed for 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns as the Chiefs won their second of nine straight AFC West titles. Kansas City didn't reach for a running back in the first round that year. The Chiefs instead selected a promising quarterback prospect named Patrick Mahomes.
So, is the Bears' running back going to be Jeanty? Will they select one on the second day of the NFL Draft? Or will Swift remain as the leader of their backfield?
The answer to those questions will reveal a great deal about the Bears and their belief of what’s to come.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.