The Chicago Bears enter their Week 5 bye at the most opportune time, as the team has several key players recovering from injury paired with roster decisions coming at certain positions. One of the positions that the Bears’ head coach Ben Johnson will likely take a significant look at during the 15 days until the team’s next opponent in the Washington Commanders is the running back position. During the bye week fans and the media believe that general manager Ryan Poles could add to the running back position with a potential trade for an available halfback from a team that may be looking to add draft picks in exchange.
Raheem Mostert could be an under the radar name to solve Chicago’s running back dilemma
Despite Johnson’s offensive line exceling with run-blocking, the Bears’ two running backs in D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai have struggled to generate any productivity on the ground. With the only other halfback in Roschon Johnson yet to receive a rushing attempt this year, it is highly likely Poles trades for a ball-carrier. One under the radar trade option could be Raiders’ backup running back Raheem Mostert, who has had previous proven success as a ball-carrier over an 11-year career.
Although Mostert has bounced around the league and battled injuries, when he is healthy he is one of the league’s most productive running backs. Two years ago, Raheem Mostert led the league in rushing touchdowns with 18 and rushed for over 1,000 yards with the Miami Dolphins. In 2019, the ball-carrier was a key part in helping the San Francisco 49ers reach the Super Bowl, as he rushed for 772 yards and eight touchdowns despite not being a starter while also averaging over 5.6 yards per carry.
The Bears saw what Mostert still has left, as he recorded four rushing attempts for 62 yards against them during the team’s Week 4 contest against Las Vegas. Even more impressive was that the veteran had three carries for ten yards or more, including a 37-yard carry in the fourth quarter that help a Raiders’ score. Raheem Mostert’s 37-yard rush would be 17 yards longer than the longest run by any of the current Bears’ running backs, as Swift’s longest run this year is only 20 yards.
A running back capable of being able to break off runs for significant yardage is vital to Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme that is relies on a strong rushing offense to help set up a passing offense off of play-action designs. If someone line Mostert would be able to consistently generate impactful rushing attempts, it would strongly improve the Bears’ passing attack, as opposing defenses would be frozen by the fake handoff by quarterback Caleb Williams, enabling his pass-catchers have wider separation. Additionally, Raheem Mostert would be the ideal back due to his speed and power to maximize Johnson’s run-blockers who are doing their job, but the team’s running backs are making the most of the blocks being given to them.
Whether during his time in Miami under Mike McDaniel’s offense or in San Francisco with Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme, Raheem Mostert has been the most productive behind offensive lines that excel in run blocking. The key for Mostert is being able to explode into the second level of the defense due to his top-end balance of both power and speed. Unfortunately for the Bears and Ben Johnson, the team’s current group of running back in Swift, Monangai, and Johnson lack a quality balance of power and speed, as they either provide power or speed but not both.
The reason why potentially trading for Raheem Mostert could be beneficial for the Bears is due to the low-risk and low-cost in trying to acquire a veteran running back. Given Mostert’s injury history and current role as a backup in a deep Raiders’ backfield, Poles could acquire the back for a minimal cost compared to what it may cost to acquire another halfback via a trade. A potential trade with Las Vegas would like either cost Chicago a sixth or seventh round selection at most, which likely could be a selection for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Raheem Mostert’s low-cost trade value is just as important as his potential on field value
Trading for Raheem Mostert shouldn’t be Poles and the Bears first trade target at running back but should be there fail safe depending on how the trade market shapes out over the next week and a half. The teams that could be on the verge of trading their players away due to a poor record, include the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and the Raiders. For Mostert, winless Las Vegas could easily look to part with the veteran running back due to rookie Ashton Jeanty’s breakout 138 yards rushing performance this past Sunday as it appears that Jeanty finally look ready to breakout, while they also have another veteran in Zahmir White.
Before potentially talking to the Raiders, Poles could look to speak with the Saints and veteran running back Alvin Kamara will likely be the most sought-after ball-carrier before the trade deadline at the end of October. Kamara is one of the league’s best all-purpose backs being highly productive carrying the ball and catching the ball out of the backfield. Raheem Mostert has a similar running-style as the Saint’s Pro Bowl running back but isn’t seen as a significant threat when it comes to catching the ball, as he has been only effective when target on screen passes.
When it comes to potentially trading for one of the running back from the Jets or Dolphins, there is a mix of injuries and cost that could sway Poles to lean toward Raheem Mostert more. The Jets had depth in their favor as they had Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, but Allen suffered a concerning knee injury on Monday night against Miami. With the Dolphins, a potential trade for De’Von Achane would likely cost Poles a mid-level draft selection if not more due to Achane’s young age and potential to be an explosive back, resulting in Mostert being a more cost friendly option.
The value that Raheem Mostert provides the Bears is that he is a cost effective and short-term solution at running back that can allow the team to finish the 2025 season and then trying address the issue long-term in the offseason. Regardless of if Poles and the front office trades for a ball-carrier over the next few weeks, they will likely utilize a high-end draft selection or the best free agent available to fill the void at running back. Trading for Mostert won’t be a shocking acquisition, but could be a stop-gap solution for a team that is in desperate need of production from the halfback position.
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