Longhorns RB Roschon Johnson Signs Rookie Deal With Chicago Bears

The former Texas tailback is signed in the Windy City through 2027.

Roschon Johnson

Roschon Johnson is locked in with the Chicago Bears as the newest paid player. 

The Bears announced Monday that they had agreed to terms with the former Longhorns running back on a four-year deal. Johnson, one of the more beloved players in Texas football's recent memory, was selected with the No. 115 pick in the fourth round. 

A former All-American quarterback at Port Neches-Groves High School, Johnson was more so regarded by coaches and players as a locker room leader first and a player second. He transitioned to running back after then-coach Tom Herman floated around the idea in the offseason. Johnson later stayed in Austin after the hiring of Steve Sarkisian and the emergence of Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson. 

Johnson appeared in 47 games over four seasons for the Longhorns, rushing for 2,190 yards and 23 touchdowns on 392 carries. He also totaled 56 catches for 420 yards and one TD while serving as Texas' primary pass-blocking running back. Last season, the 6-foot, 219-pound back rushed for 554 yards and five TDs on 93 carries. He also had 14 receptions for 128 yards and one TD.

Scouts in Chicago were enamored by Johnson's hard-nosed rushing style during his time on the Forty Acres, but were more impressed with his attitude toward the game itself. Bears area scout John Syty raved of Johnson's work ethic, stating, "I don't know if I've ever written a guy with higher character than him."

"This is a young man who has some pretty special qualities just in terms of his leadership ability," Syty added. "He's someone we really feel can become a pillar in this organization for a really long time. I feel really strongly about this guy. There's a level of 'it' factor to this kid the second he walks into the room."

Bears coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles both said that Johnson would compete for the starting job alongside former Texas running back D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert, but would also be a primary factor on special teams. Johnson led the Longhorns with seven special teams tackles last season, including four on kickoffs. 

With Johnson locked up, Chicago has now signed eight of its 10 draft picks. The Bears previously signed Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright (first round), Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell (fifth round), Minnesota cornerback Terell Smith (fifth round), Kennesaw State defensive tackle Travis Bell (seventh round) and Stanford safety Kendall Williamson.

The Bears now must come to terms with Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and Miami (Fla.) cornerback Tyrique Stevenson both of which were drafted in the second round. Johnson was the only other player left unsigned from the rookie class at the start of OTAs earlier this week. 

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