The Chicago Bears made waves last season by not only retaining D’Andre Swift but also showcasing him as their main running back. Swift delivered a standout performance, thriving under head coach Ben Johnson, despite their past differences.
Now, the conversation has shifted from whether Swift would be cut to whether he’ll receive a contract extension. ESPN’s Matt Bowen looked ahead to the 2027 offseason, highlighting Swift as potentially the second-best running back available in free agency, just behind Jonathan Taylor.
Swift's 2025 season was a career highlight, racking up 1,087 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, complemented by 34 receptions. His success in a zone-heavy scheme that leverages his ability to find open lanes and contribute to the passing game has been notable.
So, what’s next for the Bears and Swift? While it seems likely that the Indianapolis Colts will secure Taylor with a new contract, Swift could find himself as the top free agent running back if the Bears don’t extend him.
There are two perspectives here. On one hand, Swift has proven to be an excellent fit in the Bears’ system, making a strong case for his extension. On the other hand, some might argue that Swift’s success is a product of Ben Johnson’s scheme, suggesting the Bears could replicate his production with another late-round pick or cost-effective free agent, much like they did with rookie Kyle Monangai.
If Swift continues his high-level performance into 2026, he’ll undoubtedly attract interest from teams across the league. While the Bears can celebrate Swift’s achievements, they might also consider developing another running back to maintain flexibility in their roster and allocate resources to other positions.
The decision isn’t straightforward, with valid points on both sides. The Bears will likely assess Swift’s performance in early training camp before making any moves toward an extension. Meanwhile, Swift could be eyeing a lucrative free agency opportunity next year.