The Chicago Bears were originally rumored to make a splash at the running back position this offseason. However, after free agency passed and a seventh-round draft pick was added, rumors are swirling that Ryan Poles could be looking to shake things up by trading for a former Pro Bowl running back.
Training camp is about a month away. The Bears have two joint practices lined up. One with the Miami Dolphins and one with the Buffalo Bills. An interesting relationship is developing between Poles and the Bills' general manager, Brandon Beane. The two have been involved with multiple trades over the last few years, and another one is currently being rumored as a possibility.
Now, this time of year is full of nonsense and clickbait. This trade scenario could be exactly that. However, I wanted to explore whether it was even a possibility and whether the trade would make sense for both parties involved. In a recent article by Pete Martuneac of Sports Illustrated, he outlined our blockbuster trade ideas the Chicago Bears should consider if they genuinely wanted to make a push to be Super Bowl contenders.
Within the article, Martuneac presented cornerback Jalen Ramsey, defensive end Trey Hendrickson and defensive end Shemar Stewart as three targets. Ramsey makes zero sense to me and there is no reason for the Bears to be interested in Stewart. Hendrickson has been rumored to be a trade target for the Bears for months now, but I just don't think that is happening. I don't think the Bengals are willing to move on from their star defensive end. The one interesting trade scenario that I would be interested in though is a trade for running back James Cook.
Could the Chicago Bears make a splash and trade for James Cook?
Now, I know what you might be thinking. Why would the Bills be interested in trading their prize running back? It's simple. Cook is not happy with his contract situation. Heading into the final year of his rookie contract, Cook is looking for an extension. He has more than earned it. He's coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, and last year he finished with 16 touchdowns. The problem is that the Bills do not have very much salary cap space. They currently have the least amount of cap space in the league, with just over $100,000. Things aren't looking better financially for 2026 either.
The Sports Illustrated article suggested that the two teams swap running backs. That's right. Just an even swap of D'Andre Swift for Cook. If that's possible, sign me up. I'm not a Swift hater, but Cook is by far the better option. Both running backs are the same age (25), but Swift has two more years in the league and more mileage on the tires. He's under contract through 2027 and has proven himself capable of playing at a Pro Bowl caliber. If the Bears were to swap running backs with the Bills, Poles can pay the proven back close to what he wants and deserves.
Although the trade makes sense for both sides, I don't see it happening. Cook has been attending camp and made it known that he will be at training camp as well. He isn't likely to get a contract extension this season, but I'm sure the Bills make something happen before he hits free agency at the end of the year.
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Additionally, I'm unsure why Poles would want to invest money in a running back, even one as talented as Cook, when he needs to allocate that money to his players who are about to see their contracts expire. Players like Jaquan Brisker and Braxton Jones. Then, the following season, the team will need to pay even better players like Darnell Wright (technically not a UFA until 2028) and Gervon Dexter. I just do not want to see Poles invest in a running back over quality players at more critical positions when the Chicago Bears can draft another one in the 2026 NFL Draft.
So, Cook for Swift? I wouldn't hate it, but don't count on it.