Bears Linked to Intriguing Deal Involving Running Back Position in Chicago
The Chicago Bears were considering a trade for Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. to address their running back issues earlier in August 2025. However, as of August 24, Robinson has been traded to the San Francisco 49ers, making the acquisition impossible for the Bears.
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton linked the Bears to Robinson, who is reportedly on the trade block. Robinson, a third-round draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has had a somewhat underwhelming career in Washington. In his most productive season, he ran for 799 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and displayed pass-catching skills with 36 receptions for 368 yards and four scores in 2023.
The Bears' running back position is questionable, with D'Andre Swift being a disappointment in his first year, Roschon Johnson dealing with a foot injury, and rookie Kyle Monangai, a seventh-rounder, being compelling but potentially not ready for a major role. The team has a strong offensive lineup at wide receiver, with established stars like D.J. Moore, budding talents such as Rome Odunze, and rookie Luther Burden III.
If the trade for Robinson had gone through, the Bears would have viewed him as a reliable complement to Swift, providing another backfield option. The trade proposal involved the Bears sending a 2026 fourth-round pick and guard Ryan Bates to the Commanders in exchange for Robinson. However, the trade proposal does not specify if Bates would be a starter or backup in the proposed deal.
General manager Ryan Poles has praised Monangai, but it is uncertain if he is ready for a significant role in the 2023 season. The Bears may not be comfortable with Johnson as their No. 2 running back due to his foot injury. Swift has dealt with injuries early in his career, which adds to the team's concerns about their running back depth.
The trade proposal does not mention any other players or draft picks potentially involved in the deal, and it is unclear if the Bears are actively pursuing Robinson or if this is a speculative suggestion by Moton. Despite the trade for Robinson no longer being an option, the Bears will continue to explore solutions to strengthen their running back position in the upcoming weeks.
- Sports news outlet Bleacher Report's Moe Moton suggested that the Chicago Bears were considering a trade for running back Brian Robinson Jr., who is reportedly on the trade block, to address their running back issues.
- In a potential trade, the Bears could have sent a 2026 fourth-round pick and guard Ryan Bates to the Washington Commanders in exchange for Robinson, but the proposed deal did not specify if Bates would be a starter or backup.
- Despite Robinson being traded to the San Francisco 49ers, making the acquisition impossible for the Bears, the team continues to actively seek solutions to strengthen their running back position in the upcoming weeks.
