Bears Trade Pitch Lands 16-Touchdown Running Back to Fix Ben Johnson’s Offense

The Buffalo Bills, arguably the best team in the AFC if everything goes as planned next season, now find themselves in a strange position with running back James Cook. Cook has been a staple in the Bills’ offense over the past few seasons, following a standout year in 2024-25. He posted 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns, by far the most of his career. 

As a result, Cook aims to earn a top-tier running back salary and makes that clear throughout the offseason. He’s currently at practice, but isn’t participating, with some speculating that it could eventually end up in a trade. For the Chicago Bears, this could be good news. 

Newsweek believes so, too, recently proposing the idea of the Bears trading for him. Evan Massey noted that he’s another player who hasn’t received a contract, and there could be multiple suitors for him if the Bills make him available, including the Bears. 

“Another player who has yet to receive a new deal from his current team is Cook. After putting together a breakout season in 2024 with the Bills, the two sides have not come to terms on an extension. Cook ran for 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns on 207 carries last season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Any team looking for an upgrade in the backfield would likely have interest in acquiring him if he’s made available.

“Buffalo could still work out a new deal with him, but he’s a name to watch. Potential Trade Destinations: Bears, Cowboys, Commanders, Texans,” he wrote.

Bears Will Need to Pay James Cook

The Chicago Bears would have to understand that if they trade for Cook, it’ll likely come with a hefty price tag, at least for a running back. Running back contracts don’t carry much weight in the modern age, but he still costs more than most on the market.

When speaking about the situation over the weekend, Cook was seemingly non-committal about everything going on. He had a straightforward response, explaining why he isn’t practicing with the Bills. 

“Oh, nothing,” he said, per ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg. “Business.”

Brandon Beane of the Bills responded with some short comments.

“Yeah, you know, it’s not something we were fully aware of until shortly before practice,” Beane said, according to Katherine Fitzgerald of the Buffalo News. “So, I get it, I understand it; it’s the world we’re in, I guess, of how players want to respond and things like that.”

Chicago Must Keep an Eye on James Cook Situation

According to ESPN, Cook initially stated that he wanted to participate in practice, so it remains uncertain what the change of heart is now, but this is something that the Chicago Bears have to keep an eye on. 

As a team, the Bears could be better, as every other team in the NFL can be, too, but if there’s one area for them to improve, it’s in the running back room.

Giving Ben Johnson another legitimate weapon offensively would be a wise decision from Chicago’s perspective, making somebody like the Buffalo Bill star a potential option. 

“The contract situation has been an ongoing issue after Cook went public early in the offseason with his desire to be paid like one of the NFL’s top running backs. Cook, however, had maintained at the start of camp that he wanted to participate in practice and be there for his teammates — and avoid being fined. He did not attend the team’s voluntary offseason team activities but fully participated in all three days of mandatory minicamp and the first eight practices of training camp,” Getzenberg added.

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