Proposed trade could solve Bears’ backfield question

The Chicago Bears still haven't made much of an investment at running back this offseason, which is a bit of a concern considering training camp kicks off in less than one month.

It's not that D'Andre Swift is that bad of a starter, he's adequate. But with all the excitement surrounding this team and the impact coach Ben Johnson will have on Chicago's offense, it would be a shame if running back is the one position that holds this group back.

General manager Ryan Poles used a seventh-round pick on Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai, who Bears fans are holding out hope will be another late-round RB to prove that starters at the position can be found on Day 3. But the odds are stacked against him, regardless of how talented he may be.

Holdovers Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, and Ian Wheeler don't inspire much confidence, either.

As a result, the Bears could decide a week or two into training camp that a trade is required to level up the running back room properly, and they could turn to the Buffalo Bills and James Cook to really make a splash.

EVERY. JAMES. COOK. HIGHLIGHT. THIS. SEASON

THE COOK, WAS IN THE KITCHEN pic.twitter.com/JMhelE7xN4

— BillsMuse (@BillsMusee) January 30, 2025

It's a move that was proposed by Bears on SI's Pete Martuneac in a recent breakdown of trades Chicago should consider as the season inches closer.

Bears and Bills would be ideal match in James Cook trade

"Fans everywhere were disappointed when the Bears were unable to select running back phenom Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft, and their efforts to find a top-tier runner in Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft were likewise thwarted," Martuneac wrote. "This position thus remains a major question mark for the Bears.

"That would change by adding Cook, who is currently unhappy with his contract situation in Buffalo. The Bears could potentially make this deal a simple swap of players, D'Andre Swift for Cook, and preserve their 2026 draft picks. Cook put up over 1,000 yards and an absurd 16 touchdowns in 2024, and he would likely give Chicago's offense a huge boost while taking a load off of quarterback Caleb Williams" shoulders."

Cook profiles as an ideal fit for Johnson's offense. While not a perfect comparison to Jahmyr Gibbs, Cook's ability to flip the field anytime he touches the ball would certainly get the job done. He's also a tougher runner than Swift, which makes him a better option on early downs.

READ:

What a day for James Cook.

- 17 carries
- 123 yds (first career 100 yard game)
- 7.2 avg.
- 4 catches for 36 yds

Good week to be a former Georgia RB.
pic.twitter.com/I6y9HLeTF8

— J.C. Shelton (@JCShelton_) September 17, 2023

"I don't believe that these two sides are anywhere close to a deal at this point in time," ESPN's Adam Schefter said earlier this month. "And as we enter a critical season for the Buffalo Bills, James Cook is one of the more important players there. With a deal not on the horizon, that looms as a little storm cloud over the promising season that's ahead for the Buffalo Bills... I don't think the two sides are close now, and I think this is going to take some time to figure out."

Cook reported to the Bills" mandatory minicamp to avoid fines, but his demands for at or near $15 million per season haven't changed. It's why Buffalo may have no choice but to unload him at some point before the season begins, and Chicago could be a willing dance partner.

I'd imagine Buffalo would require no less than a second-round pick for James Cook in a trade, and it's a price that Poles would have to consider strongly. Sure, adding Cook would also mean adding one of the most expensive running back contracts in the NFL. Remember: Swift signed a three-year, $24 million contract last offseason, the Bears would have a ridiculously overpriced RB room.

Perhaps a deal for Cook would include Swift as part of the package. It would make sense for both sides, the Bills would get a starting running back at half the price, while the Bears pay a premium for a runner who can do more in Johnson's offense.

Whether or not a trade like this comes to fruition is only part of the point. The fact that we're still talking about the Chicago Bears needing an upgrade at running back is at least a minor concern, especially considering all of the attention the team has placed on fixing the offense over the last few months.