ESPN's bold Bears trade prediction would give Ben Johnson an elite RB again but patience could pay off for Chicago

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes for a touchdown during a game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Grace Hollars USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images ESPN’s Ben Solak dropped 10 bold predictions for the 2026 season and instead of having the Chicago Bears landing a top edge rusher, he predicts the Bears will pursue another top offensive weapon. But, a trade in 2026 would be a massive false start for Chicago.

The Chicago Bears already had a top offense in 2026 under head coach Ben Johnson that featured the NFC’s top ranked rushing offense but it still felt like that unit left way too much meat on the bone for what they could have done.Outside of the issues with quarterback Caleb Williams that need to be fixed going into 2026, the Bears can still get even better in the run game, which is insane to think about.Johnson already noted before the start of summer break that he intends to pick the brain of new RBs coach Eric Studesville to study the unique run concepts he helped create with the Miami Dolphins.

As far as personnel goes, the Bears intend to run it back in 2026 with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai leading the backfield. Could that eventually change down the road? It’s something Chicago should start thinking about.

ESPN floats the RB upgrade that would put Ben Johnson’s offense into another levelOn Wednesday, ESPN’s Ben Solak listed 10 bold predictions for the 2026 season and the Chicago Bears were one of the teams mentioned. The bold prediction for the Bears is that they would acquire Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor.Taylor is entering into the final year of his contract and negotiations have been quiet surrounding his next deal.

Solak believes that if the Colts have a slow start to the season, they might be better off flipping Taylor at the deadline before he walks in free agency.“If the Colts come out of the gates slow and consider an organizational change midseason, then Taylor surely would draw trade int