When stepped into the offensive coordinator role for the in 2022, he initially worked with the roster he inherited. The results were immediate. Detroit finished 9–8, powered in part by key contributors such as D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, and T.J. Hockenson.

Despite that success, Johnson and the front office did not hesitate to reshape the offense. Swift and Hockenson were traded, while Williams departed in free agency. In their place, Detroit drafted Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, tailoring the personnel more closely to Johnson’s long-term vision.

Now, league observers are wondering if a similar overhaul could unfold with the . Although Chicago’s offense ranked inside the top 10 in both scoring and total yardage, there’s speculation that Johnson — now leading the Bears — may want to adjust the roster to better reflect his preferences.

NFL insider Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team recently suggested on his podcast that notable roster moves could be on the horizon. Among the names floated as potential cap-related decisions were D’Andre Swift, Cole Kmet, and D.J. Moore.

Johnson has already demonstrated a willingness to move on from productive players if he believes a better schematic fit exists. Financial considerations also loom large. The Bears are currently over the salary cap, and parting ways — either via trade or release — with certain veterans would create significant flexibility.

Swift’s situation is particularly interesting given Johnson previously approved moving on from him in Detroit. Even after a strong statistical season, Johnson may not view him as an ideal long-term match. Kmet, meanwhile, could become expendable due to the rise of Colston Loveland, making the veteran tight end more costly relative to his role. Moore’s production dipped for much of the year before a late surge, raising questions about his standing as a true untouchable piece.

The central issue is whether Johnson sees any of those players as indispensable. At this stage, none appear completely off-limits. Kmet might have the strongest case to stay because of his value in two-tight-end formations and his blocking ability. Swift and Moore, however, could be easier to justify moving.

That said, a full-scale roster shakeup may not be realistic. Unlike Detroit in 2023 — when the Lions had ample cap space and additional draft capital — Chicago lacks financial breathing room and extra picks. Large-scale changes would require calculated risk.

If the Bears make one significant move, Moore could be the leading candidate. With Rome Odunze and Luther Burden both on rookie contracts, the team has cost-controlled options at wide receiver. Clearing Moore’s contract, especially through a trade, would immediately ease cap concerns.

Swift, who remains under contract through 2026, could still provide short-term value, making an immediate release less urgent. Kmet, given his versatility and reliability as both a secondary receiving option and blocker, appears less likely to be cut outright.

Ultimately, if Johnson opts to make a statement this offseason, the most logical departures would be Moore and Swift — two players who could be replaced without completely disrupting the offensive framework.