The Chicago Bears entered the summer with a clear idea of their main running backs, D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, both of whom performed well last season and are fit to play again this fall. However, concerns arose regarding the team’s depth, particularly after Travis Homer left via free agency. This left Roschon Johnson and Brittain Brown as the primary backup options, with undrafted rookie Cameron Bennett added to the roster post-draft. Many believed this would be the extent of their adjustments; however, they underestimated Ben Johnson’s ability to make moves. The Bears recently signed veteran Salvon Ahmed ahead of spring practices.
Salvon Ahmed, who emerged as an intriguing talent from Washington in 2020 after surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in his final season, went undrafted due to his smaller stature (5’10”, 197 lbs) and a 4.62-second 40-yard dash. He spent four seasons as a backup in Miami, then bounced around practice squads in Denver and Indianapolis, where he earned an invite to their training camp in 2025. Unfortunately, his season ended abruptly due to a severe ankle injury from a hip-drop tackle during practice.
Why Would the Bears Want Salvon Ahmed?
Primarily, the answer lies in depth. With Coach Johnson focusing on a strong running game, having a varied pool of running backs is advantageous. This signing likely comes at the suggestion of running backs coach Eric Studesville, who previously worked with Ahmed in Miami. Studesville’s familiarity with Ahmed’s abilities could lead to an effective fit in the Bears’ offense. Ahmed is certainly not lacking in talent.
Scouts have highlighted Ahmed’s superior footwork and agility. While his forty-yard dash time may not impress, tape shows he possesses genuine speed on the field, capable of transforming short gains into significant yardage. His potential as a receiver adds to his attractiveness. However, concerns about his size and decision-making have hindered his production. A tendency to hesitate at the line has cost him many opportunities for explosive plays.
Ahmed is a Message to Other Rooster Incumbents
One player whom this signing particularly affects is Johnson. Although he’s shown flashes of productivity as a fourth-round pick, injuries have consistently hindered his progress. The Bears initially showed patience, but that patience has dwindled. The spot as the third running back behind Swift and Monangai is up for grabs, and Ahmed is part of the competition for that role.
It will be fascinating to observe how Ahmed adapts, considering this is his best chance since his early Miami years. However, it’s important to note that the Bears’ offensive system demands skills that might not align perfectly with Ahmed’s strengths. Their emphasis on a wide-zone rushing approach requires running backs to exhibit solid vision and patience, traits Ahmed hasn’t consistently demonstrated. Only time will tell if Studesville and Coach Johnson can find ways to effectively utilize his skills. We should start to see how this unfolds next month.
