The fervent rumors about the Chicago Bears potentially having a window to trade for Miami Dolphins star running back De’Von Achane seem to have vanished as quickly as they started in light of the latest NFL trade news.
After the Dolphins traded star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos earlier this week, speculation began to circulate online that the team might also be willing to listen to offers for Achane, another one of their top offensive playmakers, with suggestions that the Bears should be among the first teams to give them a call.
Some analysts, such as ChatSports’ Harrison Graham, even cooked up trade proposals that would see the Bears move on from veteran D’Andre Swift in a deal for Achane.
Unfortunately, the excitement lasted for less than 24 hours before ESPN insider Adam Schefter crushed their hopes and reported that Miami is not open to trading Achane.
“Teams that have called the Miami Dolphins to inquire about trading for Pro-Bowl RB De’Von Achane have been told that he is not available,” Schefter wrote on X.
Will Bears Stick With D’Andre Swift & Kyle Monangai?
Achane would be an intriguing addition to the Bears’ backfield, even entering the final season of his rookie contract. He made his first career Pro Bowl in 2025 after rushing for a career-high 1,350 yards and catching 67 passes for another 488 receiving yards. He also scored 12 total touchdowns, his third straight season with at least 11 scores.
At this stage in the offseason, though, it is fair to question whether the Bears have any plans at all to shake up the status quo in their backfield with Swift and Kyle Monangai.
The Bears did not add a new running back during the first wave of NFL free agency
Despite rumblings that the Bears had interest in Travis Etienne Jr. before free agency, the Bears did not add a new running back in the first wave of signings. Etienne landed with the Saints on a four-year, $47 million contract, while Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a four-year, $43.05 million contract.
Meanwhile, Breece Hall (New York Jets) and JK Dobbins (Denver Broncos) avoided free agency altogether and signed new contracts to remain with their 2025 teams.
Bears Could Supplement RB Room in 2026 NFL Draft
The Bears have good reason to stick with Swift and Monangai as their one-two punch in 2026 after they paced the NFL’s No. 3 rushing offense (144.5 yards per game) last year. Still, it would not be surprising to see them supplement the position in the NFL draft.
Swift is entering the final year of his three-year, $24 million contract in 2026 and seems unlikely to receive an extension offer from the Bears unless he blows the hinges off of the league in the upcoming season. He is an above-average player who began to thrive in Ben Johnson’s offense in 2025 when the blocking improved up front, but he will turn 28 before next offseason at a time when the Bears may need their cap for other players.
At the very least, it would be sensible for the Bears to explore their options at running back in next month’s draft and, if they like a few, take the shot on adding leverage.
Notre Dame phenom Jeremiyah Love stands almost no chance of sliding to them at No. 25 in the draft, but they could have some options late in the second round for either one of their picks (Nos. 57 and 60). Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr. or Washington’s Jonah Coleman might appeal to them in that range, as could Kentucky’s Seth McGowan.
Bears Get Bad News on Potential Trade for RB De’Von Achane