“He has a skill set similar to what DeAndre Swift has. Ben Johnson is super creative… this guy could be a difference-maker,” said NFL Network’s Jeffri Chadiha during a panel discussion on where the top remaining free agents might land. Jeff’s words hung in the Chicago air like the ghost of Ditka’s cigar smoke—a mix of hope and what-if. But in the Windy City, where the Bears’ backfield has been as stable as a Jenga tower in a tornado and the rumor mill’s churning: Jim Harbaugh’s castoff, might just be the missing puzzle piece for new head coach Ben Johnson’s offense.

Let’s cut through the noise like a Justin Fields QB draw (‘RIP, king’). J.K. Dobbins isn’t just a running back—he’s a vibe. After a 905-yard, 9-TD comeback season with the Chargers, the 26-year-old’s got more juice than a Halas Hall Gatorade cooler.

Analysts like Baldy gush that Dobbins “explodes from the backfield,” a skill set tailor-made for Johnson’s scheme, which made the Lions’ offense hum like a ‘Motown bassline.’

Picture this: Dobbins slicing through gaps like Walter Payton reincarnate, while Johnson dials up pre-snap motion so slick it’d make Ocean’s Eleven blush. But let’s keep it a buck—Dobbins’ injury history reads like a Final Destination script. Torn ACL in ’21, Achilles scare in ’23… yet here he is, still standing, still hungry.

As Baldy noted, “He’s coming off his best year.” For a Bears team that hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Jordan Howard in 2017, rolling the dice on Dobbins isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. Especially when Ben Johnson’s offense thrives on “making the same things look different,” a mantra that’d make Picasso nod in approval.

Meanwhile, lurking in the shadows is Tyson Bagent—the undrafted Division II phenom turned cult hero—whose future as Caleb Williams’s backup is clearer than a Lake Michigan sunset.

Bagent’s backup blues: stability or swerve?

Now, let’s talk about the guy who’s been low-key winning Chicago’s heart one griddy at a time: Bagent. The undrafted rookie who outdueled the Raiders in ’23 (21/29, 162 yards, 1 TD—’mic drop’) isn’t just a feel-good story. He’s a 66.2% passer with a chip on his shoulder bigger than the Sears Tower. But here’s the plot twist: the Bears signed Case Keenum, a 37-year-old journeyman who’s played for more teams than ‘Post Malone’s toured cities.’

Cue the panic. Is Bagent cooked? Nah, fam. ESPN’s Courtney Cronin dropped the truth bomb: “The organization loves him. They value him highly.” Translation: Bagent’s not just a clipboard carrier—he’s a locker room glue guy, the kind who’d help you move a couch on his day off. But here’s the rub: Chicago’s backup QB spot has been a revolving door since the Truman administration. Only Vince Evans and Peter Tom Willis lasted four seasons. Bagent’s entering Year 3. If he inks an extension? He’ll join ‘Mount Rushmore vibes.’

But let’s keep it real—Bagent’s a competitor. With Williams locked in as QB1, does he ride the pine forever? Or pull a Josh McCown and bolt for a starting gig? As Johnson himself said, “Accountability and integrity… team-first mentality is critical.” Translation: Bagent’s staying put… for now.

In the end, Chicago’s offseason isn’t just about playbooks or cap space ($10.6M, oof). It’s about identity. Dobbins represents the swagger of a team tired of being the NFC North’s punching bag. Bagent? He’s the underdog spirit this city bleeds. Together, they’re the yin and yang of a franchise chasing glory—one zig-zag run and play-action dime at a time.

As Ben Johnson quipped, “We’re gonna attack defenses in ways they’re not expecting.” Translation: Buckle up, Bears fans. The Monsters of the Midway are cooking something spicy. And if Dobbins and Bagent are the secret ingredients? Well, daaaang. Pass the deep-dish.