Chicago Bears rivals eyeing monster running back trade

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears rivals eyeing monster running back trade

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Oct 26, 2026 9:36 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are reportedly preparing to be aggressive at the trade deadline. But they aren’t alone in their pursuit for a significant upgrade.

Every team in the NFC North is currently in the playoff hunt. The Minnesota Vikings lead the way with a 6-0 record. The Bears are 5-2 while the Detroit Lions are 4-2 and Green Bay Packers 4-3. With their eyes on a deep postseason run, any or potentially all of the four teams could make a move before the deadline.

Each franchise has different needs and targets. Still, depending on how many teams are selling, there many not be many strong options to choose from. In that case a pair of NFC North teams could get into a bidding war.

While the Bears nor Lions will be involved, the Packers and Vikings now find themselves in a standoff. If either came out on top, Chicago’s hopes of winning the North will become only more challenging.

Chicago Bears rivals eyeing Jonathan Taylor

Oct 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts dropped to 2-5 in Week 7. They recently fired general manager Chris Ballard and have no first-round pick in 2027. If the franchise decides to blow things up further, running back Jonathan Taylor would be a top priority.

Teams around the league have already begun checking in on Taylor’s availability. That includes both the Packers and Vikings, via Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport of ESPN.

“The Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Vikings are among the teams that have pondered, or are expected to consider, the possibility of a trade for the star running back, according to sources,” Schefter and Rapoport wrote.

The Packers did just see Josh Jacobs return to action. But in his absence Green Bay struggled to get the ground game going. A tandem of Jacobs and Taylor would be a frightening matchup to defend.

The Vikings have both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, ranking 12th in rushing overall (119.3). But with Kyler Murray playing quarterback, Minnesota may want some extra firepower in their backfield.

Taylor, as one of the premier running backs in the league, could certainly provide it. Through the first seven games, he has run for 587 yards and a league-leading eight touchdowns.

The Packers and Vikings will have competition for Taylor’s services. But if he joins the NFC North, the Bears must be prepared.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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