A fresh suggested trade has the Chicago Bears sending running back D’Andre Swift to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for James Cook.
Pete Martuneac of Sports Illustrated believes it would be a solid player-for-player deal.
“Bears fans everywhere were unhappy when the Bears were unable to choose running back sensation 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 also unsuccessful. On June 23, Martuneac noted, “This position remains a major question mark for the Bears.”
“That would alter by including Cook, who is currently dissatisfied with his contract status in Buffalo. The Bears could theoretically make this a straightforward player trade, D’Andre Swift for Cook, while preserving their 2026 selection picks.”
Breaking Down a Trade Swap Sending D’Andre Swift to Buffalo Bills & RB James Cook to the Chicago Bears
Acquiring Swift provides the Bills with cost certainty. Swift has a three-year contract worth $24 million, with a guaranteed salary of $15.3 million. This amounts to a $8 million cap fee in 2025, which Buffalo could afford.
Cook’s rookie contract (4 years, $5.83 million total) ends in 2025, with a salary of $5.3 million. Cook estimates his market value at $15 million a year, which is roughly triple his present earnings.
Buffalo, facing Cook’s exorbitant extension demands, may avoid a contract conflict by acquiring a more cap-friendly player in Swift. Cook, who recently scored 16 running touchdowns, would be a proven elite rusher for the Bears, helping to strengthen their ground game.
Buffalo could still accommodate a flexible running back like Swift into Joe Brady’s playbook while freeing up cap space to successfully extend or replace Cook. Meanwhile, Chicago would gain a touchdown machine who might bolster an attack already loaded with playmakers. Both teams would like to have clarity at the running back position.
However, signing Cook would cause some problems for the Bears, who do not have much cap room following a busy offseason. According to OTC, the Bears’ available cap space was $14.8 million as of June 28. Given that running back is not a position that general manager Ryan Poles has typically placed a high importance on, we don’t see this as a trade exchange.
That is not to imply Cook isn’t a gifted player who the Bears would be fortunate to have.
A Closer Look at Cook’s Game
Cook broke into the scene as a second-round rookie in 2022, finishing with 507 rushing yards and demonstrating promise in the receiving game. Cook became the Bills’ featured back in 2023, replacing Devin Singletary and running for 1,122 yards while earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
However, Cook’s major breakout came in the 2024 season. He finished with 1,009 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, which tied the franchise record and led the league, earning him a second consecutive Pro Bowl invitation.
His outstanding postseason efforts helped him distinguish out. He had 23 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown in the Divisional Round, then 134 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns in the AFC Championship.
At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he’s a good combination of strength and athleticism, and he’d be interesting to see in Ben Johnson’s offense.
Furthermore, he’s already accustomed to lugging the load in harsh weather conditions:
However, the Bears will most likely wait until roster cuts before adding another running back to the mix. Chicago has emphasized investing on both offensive and defensive lines, so adding a $15 million RB to the mix does not appear to be a probable option.