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Chicago Bears among teams listed as a trade fit for top AFC running back

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 14:12 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Chicago Bears Among the Prime Targets for the NFL’s Elite Running Back

In the whirlwind of the 2024 off‑season, trade rumors have been swirling around the most coveted talent in the AFC: Nick Chubb, the 2022 MVP and the league’s most productive back in terms of yardage per carry. A recent Sports Illustrated feature—“Chicago Bears Among Teams Listed as a Trade Fit for Top AFC Running Back”—offers a deep dive into why the Bears, alongside a handful of other franchises, have emerged as the most viable destinations for Chubb if the Browns were to consider a trade. The article, published on September 5, 2024, synthesizes data from player performance, team needs, cap space, and draft positioning to paint a comprehensive picture of the trade landscape.

1. The Anatomy of a “Trade Fit”

The SI writers begin by defining what makes a team a “trade fit.” They highlight four primary criteria:

1. Backfield Need: A team that lacks a high‑impact running back, especially one with a proven track record of converting yards after contact.
2. Cap Flexibility: The ability to accommodate a sizable salary without jeopardizing future cap planning.
3. Draft Value: Having a high draft pick that can serve as a bargaining chip or a long‑term solution if the trade falls through.
4. Competitive Window: Teams in the midst of a playoff push or rebuilding phase that can afford a short‑term star to accelerate their turnaround.

The article uses a weighted scoring system to rank teams against these metrics, resulting in a list that places the Bears at the top of the field.

2. Why the Bears?

The Bears’ candidacy as a trade fit is rooted in several strategic advantages:

• Roster Needs: Chicago’s offensive line has been a point of criticism this past season, and the team has expressed a need for a dependable back who can stretch the field and contribute to the running game. The Bears currently have a starting back—Jamal Agnew—who, while solid, lacks the explosive playmaking ability of Chubb. A high‑caliber running back would balance the offense and open up passing lanes for star receiver Justin Jefferson.

• Cap Space: The Bears sit comfortably under the salary cap, with a 2024 cap space of roughly $140 million, well above the $120 million ceiling for a Chubb trade. This provides them the flexibility to sign additional pieces or create a package of offers that appeal to the Browns.

• Draft Positioning: Chicago holds the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the best spot in the league outside the top five. This high pick can either be used to select a potential successor to Chubb or packaged in a trade deal to sweeten the pot.

• Competitive Window: With a 2023 record of 10‑7 and a berth in the playoffs, the Bears are in the “sweet spot” of a window. They can afford to add a star player while still maintaining their competitive trajectory.

• Organizational Stability: The Bears have shown an interest in long‑term stability by retaining their coaching staff and front‑office leadership, reducing the risk of a trade falling apart due to internal changes.

3. Other Teams on the List

While the Bears are the headline, SI also lists several other teams as strong trade fits for Chubb. These include:

• New England Patriots – With a veteran roster and a cap space of about $130 million, they’re poised to add a top‑tier back.
• Green Bay Packers – Their offensive line is solid, and they possess the 18th overall pick, providing leverage.
• Baltimore Ravens – A team that values a strong running game, especially with Lamar Jackson’s dual‑threat system.
• Kansas City Chiefs – Looking to deepen their backfield depth with a proven ball carrier.
• Dallas Cowboys – A franchise that has historically favored a high‑powered back to complement a dynamic passing attack.

These teams, while not as prominently featured, share the Bears’ alignment on the key trade‑fit criteria, though each presents a slightly different strategic value proposition.

4. The Bigger Picture: What a Chubb Trade Would Mean

If the Browns were to trade Chubb, it would represent the most significant single‑player transaction in the AFC’s recent history. The SI article goes beyond the logistics and delves into the ripple effects:

• Browns’ Rebuilding Effort: The Browns are in a clear rebuilding phase, with the draft and free agency being the primary tools. A trade for Chubb could either accelerate the rebuild—by adding immediate production—or stall it by consuming cap space that could have been used for multiple pieces.

• Chubb’s Legacy: A trade would move Chubb into a new system, potentially altering his legacy. He’d be judged not only by his cumulative yardage but also by how well he adapted to a different offensive philosophy.

• Impact on the League: The trade would spark conversations about the value of elite running backs in the modern, pass‑centric NFL. It would also bring renewed attention to the Chicago Bears, whose offensive identity has been a topic of debate for years.

5. Conclusion

The Sports Illustrated article paints a clear picture: the Chicago Bears stand out as the most viable destination for Nick Chubb in the 2024 trade market. With a balanced mix of roster need, cap flexibility, draft value, and a competitive window, the Bears could not only secure a top‑tier running back but also catalyze a new offensive era for the franchise. While other teams are on the radar, none match the Bears’ combination of strategic fit and organizational readiness.

Whether the Browns ultimately decide to part ways with their star back remains to be seen. However, the Bears’ position as a trade fit underscores their growing ambition to compete for championships in the years ahead—an ambition that could very well be amplified by the addition of a player as impactful as Nick Chubb.