A new proposed trade that’s been floating around has Chicago Bears sending running back D’Andre Swift to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for James Cook.
Sports Illustrated’s Pete Martuneac thinks it would be a solid player-for-player swap.
“Bears 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. This position thus remains a major question mark for the Bears,” Martuneac wrote on June 23.
“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.”
Breaking Down a Trade Swap Sending D’Andre Swift to Buffalo Bills & RB James Cook to the Chicago Bears
GettyShould the Chicago Bears try to facilitate a trade swap: D’Andre Swift for James Cook?
For the Bills, acquiring Swift offers cost certainty. Swift is under a three-year, $24 million deal, with roughly $15.3 million guaranteed. That breaks down to about an $8 million cap charge in 2025, which Buffalo could swing.
Meanwhile, Cook is entering the final season of his rookie deal (4 years, $5.83 million total), earning $5.3 million in 2025. Cook has publicly pegged his market at $15 million per year—roughly triple his current earnings.
Buffalo, facing Cook’s high extension demands, could mitigate a pending contract standoff by acquiring a more cap-friendly player in Swift. For the Bears, they’d gain a proven elite rusher in Cook—fresh off 16 rushing TDs—who could help stabilize their ground game.
Buffalo could still incorporate a versatile RB like Swift into Joe Brady’s offense, while also freeing cap room to extend or replace Cook effectively. Meanwhile, Chicago would be adding a touchdown machine who could boost an offense already brimming with playmakers. Both teams would also clarity at the RB position.
But taking on Cook would raise some issues for the Bears, who aren’t exactly flush with cap space after the busy offseason they’ve had. As of June 28, the Bears are sitting with $14.8 million in available cap, per OTC. Considering running back is a position general manager Ryan Poles hasn’t traditionally placed a ton of value on, this isn’t a trade swap we see happening.
That’s not to say Cook isn’t a talented player the Bears would be lucky to have.
A Closer Look at Cook’s Game
Cook burst onto the scene as a second-round rookie in 2022, finishing that year with 507 rushing yards while showing promise in the receiving game. In 2023, with the departure of Devin Singletary, Cook became the Bills’ featured back, rushing for 1,122 yards and earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
The 2024 season marked Cook’s true breakout, though. He finished with 1,009 rushing yards while scoring a franchise-tying 16 rushing touchdowns — which also led the league — and earned a second consecutive Pro Bowl invite.
His standout playoff performances also made him stand out. He had 23 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown in the Divisional Round, followed by 134 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns in the AFC Championship.
At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he’s a solid blend of strength and athleticism, and there’s no doubt he’d be intriguing to watch in Ben Johnson’s offense.
Plus, he’s already used to carrying the load in horrid weather conditions:
That said, Bears are likely going to wait until roster cuts to add another RB to the mix. Chicago has prioritized its spending on both offensive and defensive lines, so adding a $15 million RB to the mix doesn’t seem like a likely option.
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