In a move that has caught the attention of both Cowboys and Bears fans alike, ESPN has suggested an intriguing trade proposal between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears, aimed at solving Dallas’s current running back woes while offering the Bears additional assets to build for the future.
The Context: Running Back Struggles in Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys, traditionally a team built around a strong running game, have been dealing with running back issues this season. The departure of Ezekiel Elliott in the offseason and the injury to Tony Pollard have created uncertainty in the backfield. While Pollard is still expected to play a significant role in the offense, the lack of depth behind him has raised concerns.
The Cowboys have struggled to find a consistent second option in the backfield, making them ripe for a potential trade to bolster the position.
The Trade Proposal
According to ESPN, the trade could see the Cowboys acquiring David Montgomery, a powerful and reliable running back from the Chicago Bears. In return, Dallas would send a 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick to Chicago. Montgomery, who has been a steady contributor for the Bears, would add much-needed depth and physicality to the Cowboys’ running game, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Montgomery, who had a breakout season with the Bears in 2022, offers Dallas a more traditional power-back option to complement Pollard’s explosive playmaking ability. With Pollard excelling in space, Montgomery’s bruising style could provide a balanced approach to the Cowboys’ offense and take some pressure off the passing game.
Why the Bears Would Consider It
For the Chicago Bears, moving Montgomery would not be an easy decision. However, the team has been in rebuilding mode, and accumulating draft capital is critical for their long-term plans.
A second-round pick and a fifth-round pick would give the Bears more assets to improve their roster, potentially helping them in future drafts where they can focus on addressing weaknesses in other positions, such as the offensive line or secondary.
The Bears also have a promising young back in Khalil Herbert, who has shown flashes of potential as the team’s lead back. With Herbert in the fold, Chicago could be more inclined to move on from Montgomery, especially if they can land significant draft capital in return.
Potential Impact
For Dallas, adding Montgomery would stabilize their running back committee and give them more flexibility in their offensive game plan.
The physical style of Montgomery would also be a perfect complement to head coach Mike McCarthy’s philosophy of controlling the clock and wearing down defenses. Meanwhile, the Bears would continue their rebuild while adding valuable picks to their future draft arsenal.
This trade could be a win-win for both teams. Dallas would solidify their backfield, while Chicago could further bolster their rebuild with more draft capital. As the season progresses, this proposed trade will be worth keeping an eye on.