D’Andre Swift Wants to Stay in Chicago - But Will the Bears Keep Him?
The Chicago Bears just wrapped up one of their most promising seasons in recent memory, capturing a division title and flashing the kind of potential that has fans thinking big for 2026. But as we know, success in the NFL is a moving target. With head coach Ben Johnson now steering the ship, the Bears are already deep into the next phase - reshaping the roster to build something sustainable and, ideally, even more dangerous.
And while the leaguewide “cutting season” is officially underway - highlighted by the Miami Dolphins reportedly planning to move on from both edge rusher Bradley Chubb and wide receiver Tyreek Hill - the Bears have some tough decisions of their own to make. One of the biggest? What to do with running back D’Andre Swift.
Swift’s Future in Flux Despite Strong Season
When Swift signed a three-year, $24 million deal in 2024, the expectation was clear: be the dynamic, do-it-all back the Bears needed to elevate their offense. His first year fell a bit short of that mark - 959 rushing yards and six touchdowns - but he bounced back in 2025 with a 1,087-yard, nine-touchdown campaign, while adding value in the passing game with 34 catches for 299 yards and another score.
It was the kind of season that, on paper, should lock in a player’s role. He’s still only 27, and his 2026 cap hit - $8.8 million - is manageable for a team with playoff aspirations.
But the NFL is a business, and Swift knows it. In a recent interview, he didn’t shy away from the uncertainty surrounding his future.
“I have no idea, but hopefully I did enough for them to want me back because I know I don’t want to go anywhere else,” Swift told Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times. “I love the city, I love the coaching staff and the men that I work with. That’s out of my control, but if I had it my way, I’d be back.”
That’s a heartfelt quote from a player who clearly wants to be part of what the Bears are building. But it also hints at a lack of assurances from the front office - and that’s where things get interesting.
Bears Have Options - And They’re Not Bad Ones
A year ago, the Bears didn’t have much behind Swift. That’s changed.
Rookie Kyle Monangai stepped into the spotlight with a solid debut season, racking up 783 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He showed flashes of being a capable contributor, though his production tailed off late in the year - just 4.0 yards per carry over his final five regular-season games and 3.0 yards per carry on 21 postseason attempts.
That late-season fade suggests Monangai may not be ready for a full-time role just yet, but he’s certainly a viable complementary piece. And that’s before even considering what’s available in free agency or the draft.
The Bears have been linked to Breece Hall before - rumors swirled around the trade deadline last year - and Hall would bring a home-run threat to the backfield. There’s also Travis Etienne, who has a built-in connection with new offensive coordinator Press Taylor from their time together in Jacksonville. That familiarity could make Etienne an appealing fit in Johnson’s system.
Other names like Javonte Williams, Rico Dowdle, and Kenneth Walker III could also be on the radar. And if the Bears want to go young and bold, they could swing big in April’s draft by targeting Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. The Fighting Irish standout brings a dual-threat profile - nearly 2,900 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns on the ground, plus 63 catches and six more scores through the air across three seasons.
Love would be a younger, cheaper option with plenty of upside. But he’s also unproven at the NFL level, and that’s where Swift still holds value.
Experience Matters - Especially in Johnson’s System
One of the biggest arguments in Swift’s favor is his familiarity with Ben Johnson’s offense. He’s already shown he can be effective in this scheme, and that kind of continuity matters - especially for a team that’s trying to solidify its identity on offense.
Swift may not be the flashiest name in the free agent pool, but he’s reliable, versatile, and, most importantly, comfortable in the system. That’s not something you can replicate overnight with a rookie or even a new veteran addition.
Still, the Bears are clearly weighing their options. With cap space to work with and a deep running back market, they have the flexibility to make a move if they believe it’s an upgrade - or a better long-term fit.
What Comes Next?
Right now, Swift’s future in Chicago is a question mark. He’s coming off a strong season, he’s healthy, and he wants to stay. But in a league where roster decisions are often driven by value and projection more than sentiment, that might not be enough.
The Bears have a tough call to make. Do they stick with the known quantity in Swift, or do they chase a younger, cheaper, or more explosive option? Either way, the decision will say a lot about how the front office sees this team’s window - and what kind of offense Ben Johnson wants to run in Year 2.
For now, Swift is left waiting. And while he’s earned the right to feel confident, he may still be sweating just a bit as the Bears weigh their next move.