30 Most Important Bears of 2025: Roschon Johnson (No. 30)
Every day from now right up through training camp, we're counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to 2025 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.
Advertisement
First up at No. 30 is running back Roschon Johnson, who served as the team's short-yardage back in 2024, and has a chance to earn more carries with a new coaching staff.
Background
Position: Running back
Age: 24
Experience: 3rd season
2025 cap hit: $1.22 million
2024 recap
Johnson's flashes during his rookie season weren't enough to convince the Bears front office he could ascend to starter status in Year 2. The team signed veteran D'Andre Swift in free agency, and Johnson was firmly put in a reserve role. Even worse, Johnson was a healthy scratch to begin Week 1 as offensive coordinator Shane Waldron opted to rely on other skill players.
Advertisement
That proved to be a mistake, though, and Johnson made sure to show why. The Bears struggled to run the ball early on and needed a consistent threat in between the tackles. Johnson began to earn more carries and wound up becoming the goal-line back in scoring situations while helping improve the overall rushing attack. With just 55 carries, Johnson scored six touchdowns and converted 17 first downs. That's one more first down than he had in 2023 with 81 carries. He played in 14 total games, missing two more late in the season due to a concussion.
Most Important Bears of 2025: Roschon Johnson (#30)
2025 outlook
Entering his third season, Johnson hasn't become the starting-caliber running back some thought he could be when he was drafted out of Texas. That doesn't mean he still doesn't have an important role to fill. Despite rumors swirling that they could overhaul the position during the offseason, the Bears only made a minor addition at running back when they drafted Kyle Monangai in the seventh round. That gives Johnson a strong shot to earn important carries for the 2025 season.
Advertisement
As of now, the Bears are expected to lean on Swift as their RB1, but Johnson has a relatively clear path in front of him to spell him. The Bears need a bruising back to carry the ball in between the tackles in key situations, and it would be surprising if Swift is the right man for the job. That's where Johnson could shine once again.
Big Question: What will Johnson's role be in the new offense?
A new coaching staff brings many questions for every position group. When it comes to Johnson and the running backs, it's fair to wonder where exactly he fits in. Monangai, while being a late pick, is still highly thought of and could emerge as a legitimate option in the backfield. It's possible Johnson is the odd man out when training camp concludes, despite his past success.
On the other hand, the Bears' staff may see Johnson as the ideal complement to Swift as a 1B back. Ben Johnson prefers to operate with a running back committee and has had an effective approach during his days in Detroit with a smasher and a slasher. Even when he and Swift were in Detroit, the Lions had Jamaal Williams, who led the league with 17 touchdowns in 2022. Roschon Johnson could be the Williams of this Bears offense and wind up leading the team in carries.
Advertisement
The coaching staff is still getting a feel for the players, so we won't know how the Bears plan to utilize their running backs for quite some time. Regardless, Johnson possesses a skill set that will benefit the Bears in 2025. Whether or not he can build off that and do more remains to be seen.
30 Most Important Bears of 2025
#30 - RB Roschon Johnson
#29 - Coming 7/1
#28 - Coming 7/2
#27 - Coming 7/3
#26 - Coming 7/4
#25 - Coming 7/5
#24 - Coming 7/6
#23 - Coming 7/7
#22 - Coming 7/8
#21 - Coming 7/9
#20 - Coming 7/10
#19 - Coming 7/11
#18 - Coming 7/12
#17 - Coming 7/13
#16 - Coming 7/14
#15 - Coming 7/15
#14 - Coming 7/16
#13 - Coming 7/17
#12 - Coming 7/18
#11 - Coming 7/19
#10 - Coming 7/20
#9 - Coming 7/21
#8 - Coming 7/22
#7 - Coming 7/23
#6 - Coming 7/24
#5 - Coming 7/25
#4 - Coming 7/26
#3 - Coming 7/27
#2 - Coming 7/28
#1 - Coming 7/29
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Most Important Bears of 2025: Roschon Johnson (No. 30)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
11 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Mets top Brewers 3-2 behind Nimmo, Soto and Peterson
NEW YORK — Brandon Nimmo homered again, Juan Soto came through with a tiebreaking single and the New York Mets held off the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Thursday night. David Peterson (6-4) rebounded from a pair of rough starts, tossing 6 2/3 effective innings to give New York's injury-ravaged rotation a much-needed boost.
Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Yahoo
WWE Contract Status for 2 'Monday Night Raw' Stars With Expiring Deals
WWE Contract Status for 2 'Monday Night Raw' Stars With Expiring Deals originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Two current members of the WWE roster are in a contract year, and an update has surfaced on their current deals. Advertisement WWE assesses its roster space multiple times per year. The company constantly brings in new talent for shows such as "Monday Night Raw" and developmental programs such as "NXT" and "Evolve." As new stars enter, some seasoned veterans fall victim to roster cuts. In the case of Karrion Kross and his wife, Scarlett, many have been wondering if the act will stick around in WWE past 2025. Fightful reports that while some backstage feel that Kross and Scarlett will have their deals renewed, the pair's contracts are coming due in August. Karrion Kross attempts to get under the skin of Sami Zayn during a backstage interaction.(via WWE) Kross has been able to garner some buzz online in recent months. His efforts have paid off, as fans have been reacting to his appearances on TV despite the fact that he only recently found himself in a PLE match for the first time since "WrestleMania 40." Kross is currently involved in a storyline with Sami Zayn, which was not settled following their singles match at "Night of Champions." Advertisement Scarlett plays a significant role in the presentation of the Kross character. Whenever Kross begins to let his emotions get in the way of his plans, Scarlett reminds her husband of their ultimate goal. She's also vital for Kross' entrance, which has been praised since their days on the "NXT" brand. Those who believe Kross and Scarlett will be sticking around point to the fact that the act has new merchandise for sale on WWE Shop. It certainly doesn't hurt that the two have become regulars on the "Raw" brand. Related: Major Update on Absent AEW Star Ahead of 'All In Texas' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Yahoo
AEW Might Sign Released WWE Superstar Imminently
AEW Might Sign Released WWE Superstar Imminently originally appeared on Athlon Sports. AEW might be taking an interest in a former WWE titleholder. As of late, WWE has been acquiring talents who made waves under the AEW banner. Some of those names include Mariah May, who is known as Blake Monroe on "NXT," Ricky Saints, Penta, Rey Fenix, and Ethan Page. Advertisement AEW founder Tony Khan has signed former WWE stars to varying degrees of success. Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP have emerged as a top faction in AEW, and all three men were former champions in WWE. Could there be another ex-WWE star entering the fray? WrestleVotes reports that AEW has expressed interest in working with Isla Dawn. The former WWE tag team titleholder was reportedly backstage during a recent TV taping. The internal feel behind the scenes is that Dawn will eventually be working AEW shows. A segment on WWE TV involving Isla Dawn, Alba Fyre, and Lyra Valkyria.(via WWE) Dawn was released from her WWE contract back in February. Her former partner, Alba Fyre, remains on the "Friday Night SmackDown" roster. Advertisement Fyre is a member of The Secret Hervice stable along with former WWE Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Dawn's most recent match aired on "WWE Speed" on Feb. 7. She was defeated by Shotzi, who also ended up being released from her WWE deal. At this time, there's no word on what AEW would have planned for Dawn and whether or not she'll be a singles star or involved in another tag team. The last time Dawn entered a ring outside of WWE was back on Feb. 15, 2020. She faced Angel Hayze at "Wrestling Experience Scotland Live In Bathgate." Related: WWE Contract Status for 2 'Monday Night Raw' Stars With Expiring Deals This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
