ESPN Suggests Bears Trade D’Andre Swift to Chargers, Believing He’d Thrive Alongside Justin Herbert in Balanced Offense Scheme

The NFL offseason has been full of bold takes, trade predictions, and hypothetical scenarios, but ESPN’s latest suggestion involving Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift has turned some heads. According to the network’s analysts, the Bears would be wise to consider trading Swift to the Los Angeles Chargers — a team in dire need of dynamic backfield talent and offensive balance to complement star quarterback Justin Herbert.

At first glance, it’s a proposal that might raise eyebrows. Swift, 25, was a free-agent acquisition this offseason and has impressed early in Chicago’s training camp with his elusiveness and versatility. However, ESPN’s report emphasized two key factors: the Bears’ crowded backfield and the Chargers’ desperate need for a dual-threat running back after losing Austin Ekeler in free agency.

Why ESPN Thinks Swift Fits in LA

Los Angeles is rebuilding its offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who’s expected to lean heavily on a power-running game to take pressure off Justin Herbert and establish offensive rhythm. The Chargers’ current backfield, led by Isaiah Spiller and rookie Kimani Vidal, lacks an established NFL playmaker. That’s where Swift could thrive.

“Swift’s explosiveness as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield makes him an ideal fit for a quarterback like Herbert, who excels at quick reads and capitalizing on space,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said. “He’d walk into Los Angeles and be their most dangerous offensive weapon not named Justin Herbert.”

The Chargers’ offensive line, while still a work in progress, would benefit from Swift’s outside zone vision and ability to turn checkdowns into chunk plays. Harbaugh has a track record of maximizing running back production — from Stanford’s Toby Gerhart to Michigan’s Blake Corum — and a player with Swift’s skill set could rejuvenate LA’s ground game.

The Bears’ Crowded Backfield

Part of ESPN’s rationale lies in the depth the Bears possess at running back. Swift is currently in competition with Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, and rookie Ian Wheeler. While Swift is the most proven among them, he’s on a short-term deal, and the Bears have emphasized youth and development under new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.

“There’s a real scenario where Swift becomes a luxury in Chicago’s offense,” said Dan Graziano on NFL Live. “If Roschon Johnson keeps rising and Herbert stays healthy, moving Swift now could return draft capital or a rotational player at a needed position.”

Waldron’s offense — built on West Coast principles and run-pass balance — doesn’t necessarily require a bell cow. Instead, it thrives with committee backfields and pass-catching versatility, traits several of the Bears’ other backs also possess.

While Swift has reportedly impressed in practice, his history of durability concerns and inconsistency with touches in Detroit and Philadelphia adds layers to the debate. ESPN argues that flipping Swift now, while his value is high, might yield the best long-term return.

What Would the Trade Look Like?

Any deal between the Bears and Chargers would have to make sense financially and strategically for both teams. ESPN’s proposed trade involves Swift heading to Los Angeles in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional sixth-rounder — a fair value for a player with starting-level upside but a history of spotty production.

The Chargers could absorb Swift’s contract without much strain, while the Bears would gain flexibility and assets to continue building around quarterback Caleb Williams.

A bonus scenario floated by ESPN analyst Mike Clay suggests Chicago might even negotiate for a young defender — like linebacker Daiyan Henley or cornerback Deane Leonard — to shore up rotational needs in Matt Eberflus’ scheme.

Would the Bears Actually Make This Move?

That’s the million-dollar question. While ESPN’s analysts made a compelling case, it’s unclear whether Chicago’s front office, led by GM Ryan Poles, is even entertaining the idea. Trading Swift would send mixed signals to a fanbase eager for offensive stability and explosiveness, especially as Williams gets acclimated to the pro level.

“I don’t see the Bears moving Swift unless someone bowls them over,” said Courtney Cronin, ESPN’s Bears beat reporter. “They brought him in for a reason — to be a difference-maker, especially in the passing game. And right now, he’s doing everything they hoped for.”

Still, the trade deadline is months away, and much can change between now and October. If the Bears fall out of playoff contention or if other backs step up, Swift’s name could resurface in trade talks — especially if the Chargers’ running game remains stuck in neutral.

Reactions Around the League

Fans and analysts were divided in their response to the proposal. Some Bears supporters viewed the idea as premature, pointing out Swift’s chemistry with Caleb Williams in early scrimmages. Others were intrigued by the notion of maximizing his trade value before injuries or inefficiency lower his stock.

On the Chargers side, the reaction was more enthusiastic.

“Sign me up,” tweeted former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew. “Justin Herbert needs a guy like Swift to take heat off and be a safety valve. He’d eat in that offense.”

Social media buzzed with the idea of Swift donning the powder blue and gold, with several mockups of him in a Chargers jersey going viral on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

Whether or not this trade ever materializes, ESPN’s speculative pitch underscores a larger truth in the NFL: running backs, even talented ones like D’Andre Swift, are often seen as replaceable assets. In an era where roster construction and salary cap flexibility reign supreme, moving a high-profile back for future pieces is more common than ever.

For now, Swift remains a Bear — a dynamic option in an evolving offense hoping to shock the NFC North. But if injuries strike in Los Angeles or if the Chargers can’t find their groove on the ground, don’t be surprised if the phone rings in Halas Hall.

After all, in the NFL, talent is currency — and D’Andre Swift’s value may never be higher.