Proposed Bills-Bears Blockbuster Trade Sends James Cook to Chicago in Exchange for RB and Draft Pick
A proposed blockbuster trade between the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears could send running back James Cook to Chicago. As the 2025 season approaches, the biggest uncertainty for the Bills is the status of Cook, who is seeking a new contract in the final year of his current deal. Despite ongoing negotiations, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement, which could lead to Cook holding out and potentially being traded.
In a recent article, Jarrett Bailey from The Sporting News suggests a potential trade where Cook heads to Chicago in exchange for Bears running back D’Andre Swift and a 2026 fourth-round draft pick. Bailey notes that if the Bills do decide to trade Cook, they would likely seek another running back in return. Swift, who has shown he can be a solid starter when behind a strong offensive line—like his 2023 season with the Eagles—could fill that role for Buffalo.
Swift’s style is similar to Cook’s, making him a good short-term replacement. He’s explosive and a capable pass-catcher, though he may not be suited for heavy workloads. That’s where Ray Davis could help, with the two backs potentially forming a solid tandem.
From a financial standpoint, Swift would be a more cost-effective option than giving Cook a new contract. If the trade doesn’t work out in 2025, the Bills can release Swift with minimal cap consequences in 2026 ($1.3 million in dead money, $7.5 million in cap savings).
For the Bears, acquiring Cook would provide the upgrade at running back they’ve been seeking. He could ease pressure on Caleb Williams and give the quarterback another reliable receiving option. However, Chicago’s financial situation in the coming years could make it difficult to extend Cook, so that would be a factor to consider before finalizing the trade.
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