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: