The Chicago Bears have undergone a massive overhaul since last season ended. The Bears replaced Matt Eberflus with Ben Johnson and his “win big” attitude has already resonated with his new team. Caleb Williams looks rejuvenated with the change and the front office gave him some help, acquiring Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson to revamp one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines.
It’s a large pitcher of offseason optimism for Bears fans to drink from, but it’s not the end of the process. Chicago has four picks in the top 72 selections in the upcoming draft and may look to add another player or two in the second wave of free agency once the compensatory deadline passes.
With moves on the way, some players may not have a solidified spot on the roster heading into next season. In the case of these two players, they may not last in Chicago by the time the calendar turns to May.
1. Andrew Billings, DT
Andrew Billings has been serviceable since joining Chicago as a free agent prior to the 2023 season. He posted a 66.3 overall grade and recorded 23 quarterback pressures on 265 pass-rushing snaps in his first season with the Bears according to Pro Football Focus and was off to a solid start with a 62.5 grade and 14 pressures on 144 pass-rushing snaps last season.
Unfortunately, Billings missed the final nine games of the year with a torn pectoral muscle and it opened the door for the Bears to find his replacements in free agency. Chicago pounced on an upgrade early by signing former Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and blocked another spot by signing former Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo.
The presence of Gervon Dexter and Montez Sweat also makes playing time difficult. With a strong defensive line presence in this year’s draft class, it may help the Bears find a younger and cheaper alternative for a rotational role. This could put Billings, who turned 30 last month and carries a $3.3 million cap hit for next season, on the chopping block.
2. Roschon Johnson, RB
One of the key facets of Ben Johnson’s offense is a strong running game. As the architect of the Lions’ high-powered offense, Johnson helped lead David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs to the league’s No. 6 rushing offense with 146.4 yards per game.
Many have expected a shift in the Bears’ backfield because of this and some have been waiting for the hammer to drop on D’Andre Swift. But Johnson praised Swift at the NFL Scouting Combine and may be looking for a power back to shoulder the load, turning attention to Roschon Johnson.
Johnson had a modest rookie season with 81 carries for 352 yards and a pair of touchdowns and also caught 34 passes for 209 yards. But his playing time decreased alongside Swift last season, toting the ball just 55 times for 150 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games.
It’s possible Ben Johnson may want to keep Roschon Johnson around for depth purposes. But he would also be remiss to not take advantage of a strong draft class at running back. With Boise State star Ashton Jeanty a rumored target with the 10th overall pick and ESPN’s Matt Bowen calling Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson “a perfect fit” for the Bears later in the draft, Johnson could be on the way out and looking for a new team when the draft concludes.