In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears made headlines with a bold attempt to trade with the New England Patriots to secure the 38th overall pick in the second round. Their target was Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, a player likened to Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs for his speed and pass-catching ability. However, the Patriots swiftly rejected the Bears’ offer, leaving Chicago with regrets but also opening new opportunities in their roster-building journey.
The Controversial Offer
According to sources from Chicago Bears on SI and the Patriots’ Forged in Foxborough program, Bears General Manager (GM) Ryan Poles proposed a trade to move up just one spot, from the 39th to the 38th pick. Specifically, the Bears offered:
The 39th overall pick (second round).
A seventh-round pick.
In exchange, they sought the Patriots’ 38th pick. The Patriots, however, promptly declined, deeming the offer insufficient to justify passing on Henderson, a highly valued prospect on their draft board. Other sources, such as ESPN, also reported that the Patriots rejected a separate offer from the Houston Texans, which included the 58th and 79th picks plus a 2026 third-rounder, underscoring their determination to draft Henderson.
The Patriots’ rationale for rejecting the Bears’ offer was clear. Henderson, with his explosive playmaking and versatile skill set, was seen as a perfect fit for New England’s offense. Meanwhile, the Bears’ proposal, though audacious, lacked compelling value for a mere one-spot jump, especially with only a seventh-round pick attached—a selection often considered high-risk, low-reward.
Why the Bears Wanted Henderson
Under the leadership of GM Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears identified improving their offense as a top priority for the 2025 season. The 2024 season exposed weaknesses in the Bears’ running game, lacking a player capable of game-changing plays. Henderson, with his exceptional pass-catching and pass-blocking skills, was viewed as an ideal fit for Johnson’s offensive scheme, which emphasizes versatility and short-yardage coordination.
Initially, the Bears had their eyes on another running back, Ashton Jeanty, who was ultimately selected by the Las Vegas Raiders at the sixth overall pick. When Jeanty became unattainable, Henderson emerged as their primary target. According to ESPN, the Bears even considered trading up to the Tennessee Titans’ 35th pick to secure Henderson, but that plan fell through.
Fallout and New Opportunities for the Bears
Failing to land Henderson forced the Bears to pivot. At the 39th pick, they selected Luther Burden III, a talented wide receiver from Missouri, expected to bring explosiveness to Chicago’s receiving corps. Burden, with his ability to play in the slot and even line up behind the quarterback, offers versatility in Johnson’s scheme.
Additionally, the Bears drafted Kyle Monangai, a running back from Rutgers, in the seventh round. Though a late pick, Monangai is highly regarded for his gritty playing style and potential to address the Bears’ running back deficiencies from 2024. According to Yardbarker, Monangai could become a pleasant surprise if he capitalizes on opportunities during training camp and the upcoming season.
Reflecting on Ryan Poles’ Strategy
The Bears’ trade offer, though unsuccessful, highlights Ryan Poles’ bold ambition to build a competitive roster immediately. After a disappointing 2024 season, the Bears had an impressive 2025 offseason, signing stars like Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman to bolster their offensive line while adding young talents like Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III through the draft. Pro Football Focus even gave the Bears an A+ grade for their offseason moves, tying them with the Patriots.
However, relying solely on Monangai in the seventh round to address the running back position has raised questions about whether the Bears are banking too heavily on current options like D’Andre Swift or potential free-agent targets like Breece Hall in 2026. Nevertheless, with Caleb Williams at quarterback and Ben Johnson’s leadership, the Bears are poised to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the 2025 season.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bears’ trade offer to the New England Patriots in the 2025 NFL Draft underscores the ambition and audacity of Ryan Poles in reshaping the team. While they missed out on TreVeyon Henderson, the Bears found promising alternatives. Meanwhile, the Patriots successfully held onto their target, securing Henderson as a key piece of their rebuilding plan. This story is not just about a failed trade but about how two teams are forging their futures in a highly competitive NFL landscape.