The Chicago Bears front office, led by general manager Ryan Poles, continued its methodical roster construction Wednesday with a pair of veteran signings that add proven depth at two critical positions. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears agreed to terms with running back Salvon Ahmed and safety Anthony Johnson Jr. on May 20, 2026. Both moves come as the team prepares to open organized team activities under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, and each signing addresses specific needs on a roster shaping up for the 2026 campaign.
Let's break down what these additions mean for the Bears and how they fit into the bigger picture.
Salvon Ahmed Brings Pass-Catching Ability to the Backfield
The Bears' running back room was already a crowded picture heading into OTAs. With D'Andre Swift locked in as the lead back, veteran Roschon Johnson providing a physical change of pace, and rookies like Kyle Monangai and Deion Hankins competing for roster spots, there wasn't an obvious opening for another back. But Ahmed isn't a standard addition -- he's a specialized skill player who can impact the passing game in a way that complements what the Bears currently have.
Ahmed, 27, is a five-year NFL veteran who has quietly compiled 1,023 career scrimmage yards and six touchdowns across stints with the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. His most productive season came in 2021 with Miami, where he posted 356 yards from scrimmage and three scores while showcasing reliable hands out of the backfield. What makes Ahmed intriguing for this Bears offense is his ability to operate as a third-down back and pass protector -- a role that offensive coordinator Press Taylor will certainly value in a system emphasizing spacing and quick throws.
The former Washington Husky suffered a serious ankle injury last season with the Colts, limiting his availability. But when healthy, Ahmed has proven to be a capable receiver who can create separation on wheel routes, angle routes, and check-downs. For a Bears offense built around quarterback Caleb Williams' arm talent and playmaking ability, having a back who can be trusted on third-and-medium is a luxury.
Some fans might wonder where Ahmed fits behind Swift and Roschon Johnson. The answer is likely that he's competing for a role as the third-down specialist and insurance policy. Brittain Brown and the rookie backs are developmental options, but Ahmed offers an experienced hand who can step in immediately if needed. Given that Swift has missed games due to injury in each of the last two seasons, Ahmed's presence adds a layer of protection that the Bears lacked before.
Anthony Johnson Jr. Adds Secondary Versatility
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears addressed the safety position by signing Anthony Johnson Jr., a former seventh-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2023. Johnson, who played collegiately at Iowa State, spent time with the Packers and the New York Giants before landing in Chicago. The signing was finalized on May 20, 2026, as expected to be reflected in the league's daily transaction report.
Johnson Jr. is a rangy, athletic safety who projects as a depth piece and special teams contributor. At 6-foot and 205 pounds, he has the size and movement skills to play both free safety and strong safety in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's defensive scheme. Allen, known for deploying versatile defensive backs who can disguise coverages and play multiple roles, should find Johnson's skill set useful in training camp battles.
The Bears' current safety room is headlined by Coby Bryant, who was acquired earlier this offseason, and veteran Elijah Hicks. Gervarrius Owens and rookie Dillon Thieneman provide youthful competition, while Skyler Thomas rounds out the group. Johnson Jr. steps into a room that has established talent but lacks proven depth behind the starters. His experience with two NFC North rivals--the Packers and Giants--means he's already familiar with some of the offensive schemes the Bears will face this season.
In Green Bay, Johnson appeared in 14 games over two seasons, primarily contributing on special teams. His time in New York was brief, but he showed flashes of coverage ability in limited defensive snaps. For the Bears, the path to a roster spot runs through special teams coordinator Richard Hightower's units. Johnson will need to prove he can be a reliable contributor on kickoff and punt coverage to secure his place on the 53-man roster.
The Bigger Picture: Poles' Roster-Building Philosophy
These two signings are classic Ryan Poles moves. They aren't splashy, headline-grabbing acquisitions. They won't move the needle on betting lines or generate substantial buzz on sports talk radio. But they are smart, low-risk investments in players with clear skill sets and defined roles.
Poles has consistently emphasized competition and depth during his tenure as general manager. By signing Ahmed and Johnson Jr., he's adding players who have NFL experience, understand how to prepare for a season, and can push younger players in training camp. If they make the roster, they contribute immediately. If they don't, the Bears haven't committed significant resources.
The salary cap implications are likely minimal -- both players are probably signing deals near the veteran minimum with limited guarantees. That's the kind of flexibility Poles has prioritized, especially with the Bears carrying a relatively young roster and retaining room for potential future moves.
What's Next for the Bears?
With OTAs set to begin soon, the Bears have most of their roster in place. The coaching staff, led by head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, will have a full complement of players to evaluate as they install their offensive and defensive systems.
For Ahmed, the challenge will be proving his ankle is fully healed and that he can still separate from linebackers in coverage. Given the Bears' depth at running back, he'll need a strong spring and training camp to secure a spot.
For Johnson Jr., the path is similar -- he needs to impress on special teams and show he can handle coverage responsibilities in the secondary. The Bears have invested heavily in their cornerback group, but safety depth remains a question mark.
Both signings represent the kind of low-risk, high-reward additions that can make a difference late in the season when injuries mount and depth is tested. For a team with aspirations to compete in the NFC North and contend for the playoffs in 2026, moves like these matter.
Stay tuned as we continue to track the Bears' offseason roster moves and what they mean for the upcoming campaign.