As the Seattle Seahawks navigate the offseason, general manager John Schneider’s roster construction strategy is approaching a critical juncture.
With Kenneth Walker III’s departure to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, Seattle’s backfield finds itself in an uncertain state. While the upcoming draft presents possibilities, acquiring Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift via trade offers an immediate, impactful solution for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
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Here are the compelling reasons why the Seahawks should execute a trade for this veteran playmaker.
Proven Talent
Swift just completed a career-defining 2025 season, where his exceptional physical abilities finally aligned with consistent, high-level production. After a somewhat inconsistent 2024 campaign, he emphatically silenced his detractors with a remarkable turnaround:
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Swift amassed 1,141 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, both marking new personal bests.
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He also maintained an impressive average of 4.9 yards per carry, placing him 9th among all qualified NFL running backs.
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Pro Football Focus assigned him an 82.7 grade, positioning him as the 9th best running back in the entire league.
For a Seahawks squad that relies on a strong ground game to open up passing opportunities, Swift offers a verified RB1 profile that current options, such as Zach Charbonnet (who is recovering from a torn ACL), cannot reliably provide at this moment.
Low Risk, High Reward
The Bears are currently facing significant salary cap challenges, with the least amount of cap space in the NFL. They’ve also identified a more economical alternative in 2025 rookie Kyle Monangai, who collected 947 scrimmage yards in his debut NFL season.
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Trading Swift would free up $6.9 million for the Bears, a substantial amount that could greatly benefit them in the future.
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Swift could potentially be acquired for a mid-round draft pick, representing excellent value for a 27-year-old coming off a 1,000-yard season.
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Swift is entering the final year of his contract, meaning the Seahawks could utilize his talent for a title defense without incurring a long-term financial commitment.
A Solution to Seahawks’ RB Question Marks
Seattle’s current running back depth chart is notably thin. Beyond the injured Charbonnet, the roster features Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, and Kenny McIntosh. While the team holds the No. 32 overall pick, reports suggest the Seahawks are likely to trade back to accumulate additional draft capital rather than expending a premium pick on a rookie back like Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price.
Trading a mid-round pick for Swift would enable Seattle to:
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Immediately secure an RB1, providing the team with a clear plan for the 2026 season.
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Trade down from the 32nd pick to address other pressing needs, such as offensive line, pass rusher, and cornerback.
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Offer a crucial bridge during Charbonnet’s recovery, allowing him to return without being rushed, potentially towards the end of the regular season.
The Verdict
The Seahawks are operating within a wide-open Super Bowl contention window. Gambling on a rookie or a committee of unproven backups to replicate Walker’s production carries significant risk.
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By acquiring Swift, Seattle gains a dynamic, dual-threat offensive weapon who perfectly aligns with their offensive identity and is available at a reduced price due to Chicago’s ongoing roster transition.
Executing a trade will be challenging for the Seahawks, given their current limited inventory of only four draft picks. Any move for Swift would hinge on Seattle trading down from the No. 32 spot to gather more draft capital, thereby creating the opportunity to acquire Swift from the Bears.
While the Seahawks’ present collection of four draft assets makes a trade difficult, General Manager Schneider’s history of astute maneuvering could very well generate the precise capital needed to land a veteran player of Swift’s caliber.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/seahawks/onsi as Seahawks Should Trade for Bears RB D’Andre Swift to Bolster Their Title Defense.