Why the Chicago Bears Won't Trade for Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

As much as Ben Johnson enjoys crafting and calling unique passing plays that can exploit a defense for explosive gains, the Chicago Bears' coach loves to run the football. 

Bears tight end Cole Kmet sat down with NFL Network's Stacey Dales during mandatory minicamp and highlighted Johnson's involvement in the team's rushing attack. 

"He's just a true football coach, you know," Kmet said. "I've been around a lot of guys that like their pass game, they love their pass scheme, and they love the ball in the air. At the end of the day, Ben loves the run game and that's his baby. I've never been around a play caller let alone a head coach that will do the run install. Usually that is the offensive line coach or the run game coordinator or whoever it might be, but Ben takes a lot of pride in it, and he wants to make sure everybody is on the same page when it comes to the run game."

The Bears' offense finished with the third-most rushing yards last season (2,345) and runs of 10 yards or more (67). Running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai thrived in the first year of Johnson's scheme. 

Going into Year 2 with Johnson as the offensive play caller, there should be higher expectations for what the duo can do in 2026. But ESPN has a different plan for the Bears' run game. 

NFL analyst Benjamin Solak came up with 10 predictions for the upcoming NFL season, and one of them involves the Bears. General manager Ryan Poles will trade for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. 

The 27-year-old running back finished third in the NFL last season with his 1,585 rushing yards and first in rushing touchdowns (18). In four of his six seasons in the league, he has surpassed 1,000 yards rushing. 

So, why would the Colts look to trade one of its best players? 

Solak pointed out that Taylor is entering the last year of his deal, which will force the Colts to make a decision on the former second-round pick from Wisconsin. 

"The Bears make perfect sense," Solak wrote. "D'Andre Swift had a strong 2025 season, but he has not been reliable and has dealt with injuries for much of his career. Kyle Monangai is a likable thumper but not for more than 10 or so carries per game. If the Bears' offense coalesces into a top-five unit -- certainly possible given how they finished the 2025 season -- the team might be fishing at the deadline for a field-tipping running back to give it an additional edge. Chicago's rushing attack led the league in success rate last season, thanks in large part to great line play and excellent scheming from coach Ben Johnson. Now imagine that group with a home run hitter like Taylor breaking into the second level."

No doubt the Bears' offense would become even more explosive with Taylor in the backfield, but it's more of fantasy than anything. Swift is coming off a career year and has missed just two games over the last three seasons. 

Swift missed the Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals because of injury. Monangai took over as the lead back and ran for 176 yards on 26 carries. He also had 22 attempts for 130 yards and a rushing touchdown in the Bears' 24-15 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. It's a two-game sample size, but Monangai proved he can produce if given the opportunity.

Like Taylor, Swift is also entering the final year of his contract. Chicago will have to make a decision and maybe the organization decides to go in a different direction.

Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears were interested in Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, according to sources. Don't forget, Johnson was the offensive coordinator in Detroit when the Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs. 

This isn't news, but Johnson likes his running backs. With a player of Taylor's talent, the Bears' coach could get a lot out of the offensive playmaker. But like the Lions did in Detroit when the team had David Montgomery, the draft will be the likely option the Bears chose to replenish the running back position if they move on from Swift.