The Chicago Bears are in the market for an upgrade at the running back position after recent injuries have left obvious depth concerns. While free agency has an underwhelming selection of remaining options, the trade market could provide a number of surprise fits. The most obvious of these is a potential deal for Washington Commanders starter Brian Robinson. However, if the Bears don't want to go this big, there are other options expected to be on the trade market, including a franchise that Chicago's GM has obvious ties to.
Before being hired by Chicago, Ryan Poles worked with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009 to 2021 in a myriad of roles. Poles worked his way through the front office before being given a chance to run things with the Bears. It was an earned promotion when you consider all the decisions Poles helped make to build the current dynasty in Kansas City. With this in mind, the GM has established relationships he could now call on to help solve the current depth concerns.
The Chiefs have far too many options at the running back position and are going to need to trade or cut at least one surprise option. This opens the door for Elijah Mitchell to be dealt and become Chicago's solution to current concerns.
Bears Swap Picks with Chiefs to Acquire Elijah Mitchell in Proposed Trade
Mitchell enjoyed an incredibly productive season in 2021 with the San Francisco 49ers before taking a backseat to more exciting options. Still, the back has shown he is more than capable of carrying a heavy workload when called on. Last season was missed due to injury; however, this simply served as an opportunity for the Chiefs to add the back at a bargain price. Now, the Bears have this same chance as Kansas City is forced to make a tough decision.
A pick swap should be more than enough to give the Chiefs a reason to make the move. Already, they are going to be forced to cut at least one option from the position. Add in Poles who have the relationships to get the deal done, and it makes sense for both sides.
While it isn't as splashy as targeting Robinson or another impact player, much of Ben Johnson's attack is going to be through the air and setting up the team's current starter. With this in mind, a star addition doesn't have to happen; Mitchell is solid enough to give Chicago great potential and serve as reliable depth.