Chicago Bears showing interest in 1,005-yard running back

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 8:49 PM ET

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, and the NFL Combine in Indianapolis looms, the Chicago Bears are already getting a close look at some of the offensive playmakers in this year’s class.

It makes sense for general manager Ryan Poles to be kicking the tires on offensive weapons, considering Chicago is aiming to prop open a Super Bowl window around third-year quarterback Caleb Williams, with an offensive-minded head coach in Ben Johnson.

Given veteran D’Andre Swift’s uncertain future combined with the Bears currently sitting upwards of $5 million over the salary cap, running back could quickly become a position of focus.

Chicago Bears showing interest in North Dakota State’s Barika Kpeenu

Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

According to ChiCitySports’ Zack Pearson, the Bears have met with North Dakota State running back Baika Kpeenu, before the NFL Combine has even gotten underway.

Kpeenu, 5-foot-10 and 213 pounds, is coming off the most prolific season of his collegiate career, rushing for a career-high 1,005 yards with 20 touchdowns, while averaging 5.3 yards per carry during his senior season in West Fargo.

Can also confirm that the #Bears have already met with Kpeenu. An intriguing prospect to keep an eye on. https://t.co/Aiv3QRJ3H2

— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) February 19, 2026

“Kpeenu invites contact with tacklers,” FCS Football Central’s Gerald J. Huggins II writes of Kpeenu. “Finishing with a forward lean, quality leg drive, and contact balance. He’s a functional straight-line athlete whose closing burst is strong, coupled with his ability to gain yardage after contact.”

The Bears have had recent success with late-round draft choices, as Kyle Monangai significantly outplayed his status as a seventh-round draft choice during his rookie season, capping the 2025 campaign with 783 yards and five touchdowns.

If the Bears wind up moving on from Swift to create additional cap space, Kpeenu could be a fascinating target to watch for Chicago during the NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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