As the Chicago Bears continue to rebuild and shift their offensive identity under head coach Matt Eberflus, the franchise is keeping a close eye on its future plans. With the dynamic, young Justin Fields leading the charge at quarterback, the Bears are looking to surround him with talent that can elevate their offensive scheme to new heights. One key area that could make a significant difference for the team is the running back position. While the Bears currently have a stable of running backs, the 2025 free agency class offers an exciting opportunity to land a bruising, physical back who could complement Fields and give offensive coordinator Ben Johnson the versatile weapon he needs to take the offense to the next level.
### The Future of the Bears Offense
The Chicago Bears’ offense has undergone a transformation since Fields became the starting quarterback. While Fields’ ability to make plays with his legs and his growing arm strength make him one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, the team has struggled to build around him in terms of weapons. However, with a promising draft class and future cap flexibility, the Bears are setting themselves up to build a dynamic offense that balances both the passing game and the running game.
Ben Johnson, the young and creative offensive mind who was hired as the offensive coordinator in 2023, brings a fresh, innovative approach to the Bears’ offense. Johnson is known for his ability to design schemes that maximize the talents of his players while keeping defenses off balance. His reputation for making smart use of play-action, motion, and zone-blocking schemes makes him a great fit for Fields and the Bears’ offensive future.
However, one element that has been notably missing from the offense thus far is a bruising, between-the-tackles running back who can consistently move the chains, wear down defenses, and serve as a complementary piece to Fields’ explosive playmaking ability. While Chicago has running backs like Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, neither fits the mold of a classic bruiser who can pound the ball in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Enter the 2025 free agency class, which features a standout running back who could provide exactly what the Bears need: a physical presence who can complement Fields and Johnson’s offensive system.
### The RB Who Could Be the Missing Piece: Javonte Williams
One name that has already generated significant buzz for the 2025 free-agent class is Javonte Williams, the 24-year-old running back from the Denver Broncos. Williams, who was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has steadily built a reputation as one of the toughest, most physical runners in the league. His combination of power, vision, and agility makes him an ideal fit for a team like the Bears, who want to establish a strong running game as the foundation of their offense.
#### A Bruising Runner with Versatility
Javonte Williams isn’t just a one-dimensional back. While he is known for his ability to run over defenders and grind out tough yards, he also has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His elusiveness combined with his powerful running style make him a tough matchup for defenses. He’s the kind of back that can handle a heavy workload, picking up tough yards in short-yardage situations or controlling the clock late in games.
In 2022, before suffering a torn ACL that sidelined him for a portion of the season, Williams showed flashes of stardom with over 900 rushing yards and four touchdowns in just 16 games. His 4.4 yards per carry showed that he was an effective, consistent runner, even when defenses knew he was the focal point of the Broncos’ offense. His return to health in 2023 has been closely monitored, but all reports indicate that Williams is regaining his form, making him one of the most attractive free-agent options in 2025.
Beyond his physicality, Williams also brings an underrated ability as a receiver out of the backfield. While he’s not considered a “dual-threat” back like some of the league’s elite pass-catching running backs, Williams has shown that he can be a reliable option in the passing game, with solid hands and a knack for gaining yards after the catch. This versatility would fit perfectly in Ben Johnson’s offense, which thrives on creativity and using multiple players in a variety of roles. Whether it’s using Williams as a safety valve for Fields on screen passes or utilizing him in motion to create mismatches, Williams would add another layer of depth to the offense.
#### The Fit in Ben Johnson’s System
Ben Johnson’s offense is built on a balanced attack that uses a mix of outside zone running, power running, and quick-hitting passing plays. The goal is to keep defenses on their toes, using a variety of looks to generate big plays. With Justin Fields’ ability to make plays outside of the pocket, and with weapons like Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet, Johnson needs a running back who can both control the ground game and open up opportunities for his skill players in the passing game.
Williams would fit in beautifully within Johnson’s system. His physical running style and ability to power through defenders would mesh well with the outside zone running scheme, where his patience and vision would allow him to find cutback lanes and pick up big gains. In addition, his toughness in short-yardage situations would be crucial for converting third downs or finishing drives in the red zone.
But perhaps the most intriguing element of Williams’ potential fit is his ability to complement Fields in the play-action game. The Bears’ success on offense will be tied to Fields’ ability to throw off play-action, and having a back like Williams who can consistently gain yards on the ground would make opposing defenses more susceptible to bite on play fakes. If Williams can establish himself as a legitimate threat between the tackles, Johnson’s offense would open up, creating more opportunities for Fields to attack downfield, particularly in the deep passing game.
#### The Financial Picture
The Bears have significant cap space going into the 2025 season, giving them flexibility to make key acquisitions in free agency. While running backs generally aren’t the highest-paid players in the NFL, Williams’ ability to be a three-down back and contribute in a variety of ways would make him a high-value target for the Bears. At 24 years old and still on the rise, Williams could provide a long-term solution at running back, making him worth a multi-year investment.
With the Bears’ focus on building around Fields and improving their offensive line, adding a proven, bruising running back like Williams would give them the balanced attack they need to take the next step. Williams’ physicality could help the Bears control the tempo of games, shorten possessions, and keep their defense fresh—ultimately helping them compete at a higher level in the NFC North.
### Conclusion
As the Chicago Bears continue to build their offense under Matt Eberflus and Ben Johnson, adding a bruising, physical running back could be the missing piece that takes them from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender. Javonte Williams, who is set to hit free agency in 2025, could be the perfect fit for the Bears’ offensive system. His blend of power, vision, and versatility would provide the Bears with a running back capable of wearing down defenses and creating opportunities for Justin Fields and the rest of the offense.
With the right investment in Williams, the Bears could make a huge leap forward in 2025 and beyond, creating an offense that is both dynamic and balanced—ready to take on the NFC’s best.