Bleacher Report released another round of potential cut candidates for NFL teams this summer. One rival running back who made the list could be on the Green Bay Packers radar for depth behind Josh Jacobs.
That’s what The Sporting News’ Dharya Sharma argued Sunday a few hours after Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton named Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson a cut candidate.
“Though Johnson hasn’t been able to make a consistent impact for the Brars after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, a fresh start could be what he needs to unlock his potential,” wrote Sharma.
“Johnson is a powerful runner who thrives in short-yardage situations. This was on full display in 2024 when he tallied six touchdowns in 14 games, all coming from inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.”
Sharma concluded writing if the Packers want to add more competition at running back, Johnson “could emerge as a target.”
In 36 NFL games, Johnson has rushed for 519 yards. He has also scored eight touchdowns while averaging 3.8 yards per attempt.
Could Bears RB Roschon Johnson Become Packers Target?
Pundits have linked Green Bay to several free agent running backs this offseason. Now deeper into the spring, pundits have become connecting the Packers to running backs who could become available in free agency.
Last week’s Fansided Lombari Avenue’s Richard Louis saw New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis as a potential target.
“[Davis is] more of a do-it-all back, as he can run in between the tackles but also be a receiving threat if asked,” wrote Louis.
Moton named Johnson a cut candidate for the Bears, which led to Sharma connecting the dots with Johnson possibly coming to Green Bay.
“As a rookie last season, Kyle Monangai worked his way into a sizable role as the No. 2 running back as a complement to D’Andre Swift. Meanwhile, Roschon Johnson faded into a special teams role,” wrote Moton.
“Entering a contract year, Johnson isn’t going to see much action on offense in the No. 3 spot. Don’t be surprised if the Bears cut him, giving the 25-year-old tailback a chance to catch on elsewhere.”
Packers RB Depth Behind Josh Jacobs
The possibility Packers add another running back has remained in the NFL rumor mill because of the lack of proven depth behind Jacobs.
Jacobs is an All-Pro caliber running back. But behind him on the Green Bay running back depth chart, Pierre Strong Jr. is the most experienced back with 99 career carries.
Along with Strong, the Packers possess running backs Chris Brooks, MarShawn Lloyd, Damien Martinez and rookie Jaden Nixon on their offseason roster.
Green Bay lost backup running back Emanuel Wilson in NFL free agency this past March. Wilson accounted for about 500 rushing yards each of the past two seasons.
If the Packers add another running back this summer, though, Johnson might not be the best fit. That’s because despite three-years of playing experience, he hasn’t received that many opportunities either.
Johnson has more carries than any other back in Green Bay besides Jacobs this offseason. But Johnson has just 138 rushing attempts in the NFL. He has averaged 3.8 yards per carry on his way to 519 yards.
The Packers are probably going to see how their running backs fare this spring and summer before considering another addition. But if they do, Green Bay might desire a back with more experience.
Packers Urged to Monitor Bears RB as Potential Depth for Josh Jacobs