Chicago Bears sign Salvon Ahmed, Anthony Johnson Jr.

The Chicago Bears added two veterans to their 90-man roster on May 21, signing running back Salvon Ahmed and defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr., according to the team’s official transaction report. Chicago also waived running back Deion Hankins and placed punter Tory Taylor on an international player roster exemption, the club said. The moves came as teams across the league adjusted offseason rosters ahead of organized team activities. The Bears’ official roster page now lists Ahmed at running back and Johnson Jr. in the secondary. ### Why did Chicago make these moves now? May 21 was a routine offseason transaction day for Chicago, with the Bears using the back end of the roster to add experience before OTA work begins. The team’s official announcement paired the two signings with Hankins’ release and Taylor’s exemption, indicating the club was managing both depth and roster flexibility at the same time. (chicagobears.com) The Bears have been active on that front throughout May. On May 8 and May 11, Chicago signed draft picks, undrafted free agents and veteran tryout players, continuing the annual process of filling out the offseason roster before the competition tightens in late spring and summer. ### What does Salvon Ahmed bring to the running back room? (chicagobears.com) Salvon Ahmed joins Chicago as a 27-year-old back with regular-season NFL experience and a background that differs from a rookie camp addition. The Bears’ roster page lists Ahmed as a sixth-year player from Washington, giving Chicago another veteran option in a backfield that is still being sorted during spring work. BVM Sports, citing prior reporting, said Ahmed spent four seasons with the Miami Dolphins and later had practice-squad stints elsewhere before landing with Chicago. (chicagobears.com) That history gives the Bears a player who has already moved through multiple NFL systems and roster cycles. ### Where does Anthony Johnson Jr. fit in the secondary? Anthony Johnson Jr. arrives as another depth addition in the defensive backfield. (chicagobears.com) Bleacher Nation, citing Jordan Schultz, reported before the move became official that Chicago was signing the former Packers and Giants defensive back, and described him as a former seventh-round pick out of Iowa State. Bleacher Nation said Johnson has 29 career tackles and one interception in the NFL. (bvmsports.com) For Chicago, that makes him a veteran depth piece rather than a first-year developmental player, with the chance to compete during offseason practices and training camp. ### Why was Deion Hankins the corresponding cut? Deion Hankins was the running back waived in the corresponding move, according to the Bears’ official transaction page. (bleachernation.com) Chicago did not announce a separate move involving Alex Cook in its official May 21 release or on its transactions log, which listed only Ahmed and Johnson Jr. signed, Hankins waived, and Taylor exempted. The distinction matters because the official club record is narrower than some secondary summaries. As of May 22, the Bears’ own transactions page does not show Cook among the May 21 moves. ### What should readers watch next? The Bears’ next visible checkpoint is organized team activities, when Ahmed and Johnson Jr. can begin competing for roles in the running back and defensive back groups. Chicago’s transactions page and roster page will show whether either player sticks through the next round of spring roster changes. (chicagobears.com 1) (chicagobears.com 2)