Could Kenneth Walker complete the Bears’ backfield puzzle?

Steven Bisig - USA Today Sports

Dustin Riese - Senior Writer - 14 hours ago

It's no secret that the Chicago Bears' 2025 offseason went about as well as anyone could've hoped for. Whether it be their new coach Ben Johnson and his staff, the players they added so far this offseason, or just the anticipation of a second year with Caleb Williams under center, the excitement for this season's team is off the charts.

That shouldn't surprise anyone, however, as there was plenty of excitement surrounding this team last season, only to have one play virtually break them and end their season. Chicago fans are accustomed to disappointment, and most won't get too excited until the wins start coming.

However, this team seems different as there is a different vibe around the organization. Much of that has to do with Johnson and the way he conducts his business. This is a man who paid his dues as an assistant and became one of the best offensive minds in the game. He has a vision of what he wants his team to look like, and Ryan Poles has done a great job of siding with that vision to make things happen.

One of the visions Johnson had came from his time with the Lions, where he had one of the best, if not the best, running back duos in the game. Playing with a two-RB set is crucial in today's NFL, but no team has utilized it better than the Lions over the past few seasons. That is one aspect the Bears haven't had, and with D'Andre Swift as the team's primary back, Chicago would love to get him some help or another body to create a great backfield duo.

Drafting Kyle Monangai from Rutgers in the seventh round is a great depth piece to have, but unless he emerges as a surprise breakout candidate, he is nowhere near ready to take 40% of the snaps. There were reports out there that the Bears tried to draft TreVeyon Henderson, but when he went to Cleveland, it changed the Bears' plans on draft weekend.

If finding running back help is still something this team is searching for, several free agents remain on the market, with JK Dobbins and Nick Chubb being at the top of that list. Both of them would make this team that much more dynamic, but they could also be looking for starting opportunities and might come with a price tag the Bears don't want to spend.

That leaves the trade market as the last possible option, and with Kenneth Walker having an unclear future in Seattle, it shouldn't surprise anyone to hear his name linked to the Bears as a potential fit. The former Michigan State running back burst onto the scene during his rookie season under Pete Carroll, rushing for 1050 yards in 11 games after taking over the starting job five weeks into the season.

One season later, Walker saw his production dip, but with 950 yards across 15 games, he continued to demonstrate his value, particularly in what was otherwise a subpar offense in 2023. Then came the 2024 season, in which Walker not only had his worst season yet but also dealt with injuries, finishing with 573 yards in 11 games. That gives him 2528 yards across his three seasons, which is better than 800 yards per year.

Those are not great numbers when you look at what most starting running backs put up, but as a No. 2 back or even a 1-A type back, Walker would be a massive addition to the Bears and would be an immediate upgrade over Roschon Johnson. At 5-9 and 211 pounds, the 24-year-old Walker has a small and compact frame, which makes it challenging to get him down.

Not the fastest back around, he does have better speed than most give him credit for, as he can take it the distance if he can get to the outside. Getting Walker isn't going to come easy, but it also won't cost the Bears that much, as they have already floated the idea around of giving away a future day-three pick in hopes of getting Walker.

If the Bears can make something happen to at least get the Seahawks to consider moving Walker, they need to get involved, as he would give the Bears one of the better running back duos in the NFL. That alone makes this offense more diverse and will take even more pressure off Caleb Williams, which should be the ultimate goal for them this season.