Chicago Bears get new running back trade target before draft

The Chicago Bears’ interest in upgrading their running back position in the 2025 NFL Draft has been well documented. However, the Bears can use one of their draft picks to bring in a veteran running back to pair with D’Andre Swift.

Chicago has four picks inside the top 75, offering the franchise versatility throughout the entire draft. But if the Bears dealt for a veteran, it wouldn’t cost that high of a pick. Instead, the franchise can bulk up their running back room while addressing other roster needs through the draft.

One player on the chopping block is Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White. With Buck Irving proving to be a steal, White is no longer needed in Tampa Bay. Jordan Plocher of Pro Football Focus thinks the Buccaneers should consider trading him to the Bears.

“Rachaad White looks like a strong trade candidate for two reasons: he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, and Tampa Bay’s running back room is deep enough to make him expendable,” Plocher wrote. “White’s days as the starter may be over following Bucky Irving’s breakout 2024 season.”

“Backup Sean Tucker has also flashed and deserves more playing time. Dealing White for draft capital may be in the team’s best interest,” Plocher continued. “The Denver Broncos would be a logical fit, as head coach Sean Payton values versatile, pass-catching backs. So would the Chicago Bears, particularly if they don’t select a running back early in the draft.”

What Rachaad White offers Chicago Bears

White has been with the Buccaneers since being a third-round pick in 2022. His rookie season saw him make just eight starts, although he dazzled in the passing game, catching 50 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns.

White truly broke out onto the scene in 2023 however, when he started all 17 games for Tampa Bay. That year, the running back set new career-highs in rushing yards (990), rushing touchdowns (six), receptions (64) and receiving yards (549.

However, White struggled to just a 3.6 yard per carry average. The Buccaneers turned to Irving in 2024, leaving White just 144 carries. He turned them into 613 yards and three touchdowns. White did continue to shine in the pass game despite his demotion, setting a new career-high with six touchdown grabs alongside 51 grabs for 393 yards.

There are clear flaws to White’s game. He wouldn’t be as dominant as a force as Ashton Jeanty would be. However, White has proven he can make plays with the ball in his hands when given the opportunity. As a pass catcher in Ben Johnson’s offense, White can shine.

The reason Swift is on the hot seat is because he averaged a measly 3.8 yards per carry despite his career-high 253 carries. So from an efficiency standpoint, maybe White doesn’t fix things. But the Bears have a new offensive line and a new gameplan in place. Having a running back who can break away in open space is Chicago’s goal in their offensive revival.

Until Jeanty is officially off the board – or the Bears draft him – he will be tied to Chicago. But with his draft stock continuing to rise, there’s no guarantee the Bears have a chance to select him. While they could draft a runner in the middle rounds, the franchise could also look to the trade market. White might not have the same buzz, but he could be an intriguing weapon in Johnson’s new offense.