As the RB market thins with Cam Akers joining the Saints, Bears GM Ryan Poles remains patient. Discover why Chicago is trusting D'Andre Swift in June 2025.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
For Bears fans hoping for a veteran reinforcement in the backfield, Saturday brought some disappointing news. Target Cam Akers is heading to New Orleans, shrinking an already shallow pool of available running backs. Yet, while the fanbase grows anxious, the message from Halas Hall is clear: stay calm and trust the plan. General Manager Ryan Poles is showing no urgency, expressing confidence in the current group to carry the load.
Despite fan speculation, the Bears' front office does not view running back as a critical need before the season.
With Cam Akers signing with the Saints, the list of proven, available running backs is dwindling fast. Thirty-year-old Jamaal Williams is one of the few notable names left, but GM Ryan Poles seems content to wait. The front office's strategy is clear: they believe in D'Andre Swift as the lead back and want to see what they have in their current depth chart. The bet is that an improved offensive line and a more dynamic offensive scheme will elevate the entire run game, making a high-priced veteran signing unnecessary at this stage. Any move is more likely to come via a trade or after final roster cuts.
While the RB room remains status quo, there was a wave of positive news regarding the team's key young players. Head Coach Ben Johnson confirmed that rookie receiver Luther Burden, who missed all of OTAs and minicamp, is expected to be fully ready for training camp. That's a huge sigh of relief. Meanwhile, first-round tight end Colston Loveland is already running routes and catching passes as he recovers from shoulder surgery, a fantastic sign for his timeline. Add in defensive lineman Zack Pickens returning to limited practice, and the health report heading into the summer break is looking increasingly optimistic.
The future of the franchise continues to put in the work. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze have been mainstays at rookie practices, taking every available rep to build the chemistry that could define this offense for years. The positive vibes were on full display as the team posted a full squad photo, a show of unity amidst swirling (and likely unfounded) franchise sale rumors. The buzz around the new QB was further amplified by discussion of a notable, though unspecified, passing stat, adding another layer of anticipation for what's to come from #18.
As OTAs and minicamp fade into the rearview, all eyes now turn toward late July and the start of training camp. The running back situation will remain a hot topic, but the real story is the health of this team's future. If Burden and Loveland are full-go and the Williams-Odunze connection continues to flourish, the questions about the backfield might just answer themselves. For now, it's a game of patience and a bet on the talent already in the building.
