Getty
Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
The Chicago Bears did a commendable job of improving their roster during the 2025 NFL offseason, but there are still a few positions where they could stand to add more talent and get better before starting training camp next month.
Unfortunately, the free-agent market is starting to run dry.
Two of the top running backs available after the 2025 NFL draft — Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins — each signed new contracts with teams in early June. Many of the remaining free agents are either lacking production, coming off injuries or exiting their primes.
Instead, the Bears might have more luck scouring the trade market if they are interested in adding more experienced talent to their roster before camp begins. As a hypothetical exercise, here are three potential trade candidates the Bears could consider targeting:
Seattle Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III
GettySeahawks running back Kenneth Walker III
Many expected the Bears would land one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 draft to pair with veteran starter D’Andre Swift, but they waited until the seventh round to select Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai. Now, there are legitimate questions about whether the Bears have enough talent at the position behind Swift between Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, Ian Wheeler and the rookie Monangai heading into July’s training camp.
To raise the bar, the Bears could call the Seahawks to check in on the explosive and physical Walker, who has rushed for at least seven touchdowns in each of his first three NFL seasons. Walker would come with injury concerns after missing six games for the Seahawks in 2024 because of oblique, calf and ankle issues. But with Seattle fielding other viable options and Walker entering the final year of his contract, the Bears might find that the trade price isn’t higher than a mid-Day 3 selection — which is well worth a chance even if Walker becomes a one-year rental for them.
Buffalo Bills DE A.J. Epenesa
GettyBills defensive end A.J. Epenesa.
The Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million contract in free agency to give starter Montez Sweat another veteran pass-rush partner, but they are currently banking on Austin Booker, a 2024 fifth-round pick, turning a corner and seizing the No. 3 pass rusher role in their rotation. Considering that the Bears viewed Booker as a raw talent who needed time to develop when they drafted him, he may be up to the task.
If the Bears want a stronger four-man rotation, though, they could strike a value deal with the Bills to acquire the reliable Epenesa for Dennis Allen’s new defense. The 26-year-old has notched at least six sacks in each of the past three seasons for the Bills, doing so while playing fewer than 42% of their defensive snaps in 2022 and 2023. Epenesa would also only cost $6.2 million against the cap for the 2025 season, which is more than worth it to fortify a position group that has had issues in the past.
A sixth-round pick could even get the deal done if newcomers Joey Bosa and Landon Jackson inspire enough confidence in the Bills for them to move on from Epenesa.
Atlanta Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier
GettyFalcons running back Tyler Allgeier.
While Walker is an enticing potential trade option for the Bears, Allgeier is probably the better choice for them if the Falcons are willing to consider dealing him away.
Like Walker, Allgeier is another running back who dominates with his physicality and bruises his way to success in short-yardage situations. He rushed for 1,000 yards and nearly 5.0 yards per carry on 210 attempts as the featured back for the Falcons in 2022. Even after they pushed him behind superstar Bijan Robinson in 2023, he remained an efficient back for them, running for more than 600 yards in each of his last two seasons.
What should make Allgeier more attractive to the Bears is his health. The only game he has missed over his first three NFL seasons came in Week 1 of his 2022 rookie season when the Falcons made him a healthy scratch. While that is likely also a reason why the Falcons might want to hang onto Allgeier, the Bears could compel them to part with him if they are willing to offer draft compensation, such as an early Day 3 selection.
Jordan J. Wilson is a sports reporter who covers the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. He has previously covered all levels of sports — high school, college and pro — for a variety of publications including The Indianapolis Star, The News-Gazette, Springfield State-Journal Register and Peoria Journal Star. More about Jordan J. Wilson
More Heavy on Bears
Loading more stories
