The Chicago Bears have been searching for more consistency in their ground game under new head coach Ben Johnson, and there’s one name that hasn’t been discussed much as a trade possibility: Tony Pollard.
NFL.com’s Maurice Jones-Drew, a former running back himself, named Pollard as one of five RBs who might be on he trade block this year. MJD also named Chicago as a team who could use immediate help at the position.
“There are a ton of teams that could use RB help right now — Bears, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Commanders, Steelers and Vikings among them,” MJD wrote on September 24, before laying down his logic for a Pollard trade:
“Although Tennessee would surely miss Pollard’s steady presence, dealing the veteran — who’s on pace for a career-best rushing total and whose contract includes zero guaranteed money in 2026 — might make sense long-term. The Titans would likely want to hold off on making a move at least until Tyjae Spears returns to the lineup. Spears, who began the season on IR due to a preseason ankle injury, is capable of shouldering a large load beyond his typical third-down duties.”
Pollard Is Underrated & in His Prime
At 28, the 6-foot, 209-pound Pollard is in the middle of his prime and has quietly put together three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons — first with the Cowboys in 2022 and 2023, then with the Titans in 2024. He’s on pace to threaten that mark again in 2025.
His résumé includes a Pro Bowl nod in 2022, when he ran for 1,007 yards on just 193 carries (5.2 yards per carry) and scored 12 total touchdowns.
Through the first three weeks of 2025, he has 197 rushing yards on 54 carries (3.6 per attempt) with one touchdown. It’s not a hot start, but the Titans are 0–3, and Pollard is still handling starter-level work. If the season keeps spiraling, Tennessee could look to move a few veterans, and he could be one.
What Might a Trade for RB Tony Pollard Look Like for the Chicago Bears?
GettyShould the Chicago Bears try to trade for running back Tony Pollard?
Heading into Week 4, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in rushing efficiency. The Bears rank 25th in Expected Points Added per rush (-0.11) and haven’t found a back who can create on his own when the blocking isn’t perfect.
Pollard’s ability to cut decisively and turn into a reliable receiving option would immediately help Caleb Williams and the Bears offense.
A trade that fits both teams’ timelines and budgets could look like this:
- Bears receive: RB Tony Pollard
- Titans receive: 2026 fifth-round pick that escalates to a fourth if Pollard hits 1,000 scrimmage yards or the Bears win a playoff game; plus a conditional 2026 sixth that disappears if he plays fewer than eight games due to injury.
This would give Tennessee future draft capital and cap relief, while Chicago would get a proven lead back without sacrificing premium picks.
What Does Pollard’s Contract Look Like?
From a financial perspective, Pollard’s deal is cheaper than Chicago’s current RB1, D’Andre Swift. Pollard signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Titans in March of 2024, including $10.49 million guaranteed and a $6 million signing bonus.
Only $3 million of his 2025 salary is guaranteed, and after this season there’s no long-term guaranteed money left. That wouldn’t be a bad deal for the Bears. Plus, if he works out, he could stick around.
Perhaps the strongest argument for the Bears trading for Pollard is that he’s at his best in exactly the scheme Johnson runs. The Bears coach could keep defenses off balance with Pollard on the field for all three downs, adding another playmaker in the passing game and a home run threat to a backfield still searching for reliable production.
A trade for a running back may not be in the cards for the Bears, but if it is, we think Pollard would be a great fit.
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