The Chicago Bears slightly tinkered with their backfield with new head coach Ben Johnson now leading the charge. The Bears took rookie running back Kyle Monangai in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, who could be in the mix for the RB3 job.
A backfield of D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Monangai isn’t a bad trio heading into the new season, as each guy brings something different to the table. With Monangai joining the team, the Bears did not need to re-sign Darrynton Evans.
The 26-year-old Evans joined the Bears late last season after the Buffalo Bills released him on October 29, 2024.
The Bears signed Evans to the practice squad on Nov. 6, and he was elevated twice to the active roster in December before ultimately signing to the active roster. In five games, Evans had three yards on three carries.
The veteran running back predominantly played special teams (33 snaps) when he was on the field.
After the regular season ended, Evans took his talent to free agency and signed with the Bills on a one-year, $1.2 million contract.
Ex-Bears RB Darrynton Evans Emerging as Potential Cut Candidate With New Team
Given his NFL experience and familiarity with the Bills, one would believe that the former Bears running back has a chance to make the 53-man roster.
However, he has an uphill battle to win the RB3 spot in Buffalo. As of right now, James Cook is locked in as RB1 despite his contract dispute. Behind Cook, Buffalo has Ray Davis, who played well in his rookie year and has the skills to garner a bigger role in 2025.
Then at the RB3 spot, the Bills have Frank Gore Jr., who didn’t play in the regular season as he spent his rookie year on the practice squad. The Bills brought Gore back on a futures deal at the end of the season, and likely want to see what he can do in training camp and the regular season.
Evans is more of an RB3 at this stage of his career, as he has a 3.8 yards per carry average. If the Bills want to part ways with him, it won’t cost them much. Plus, there are still adequate veteran RBs available in free agency who the Bills could get, if they aren’t satisfied with Evans or the young Gore.