Bears' D'Andre Swift Uncertain About Future in Chicago

Running back hopes to remain with Bears but understands his contract situation

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift expressed uncertainty about his future with the team, despite a strong 2025 season in which he led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns. Swift's contract has no guaranteed money, and the Bears may look to invest in other positions with young quarterback Caleb Williams still on his rookie deal. Swift said he hopes to remain in Chicago, where he loves the city, coaching staff, and teammates, but acknowledged that his future is out of his control.

Why it matters

The Bears' decision on whether to keep Swift could have major implications for their offense next season. As a key contributor in 2025, Swift's potential departure would leave a significant hole in the backfield that the team would need to address through the draft, free agency, or by relying more heavily on younger running back Kyle Monangai.

The details

Swift led the Bears in 2025 with 223 carries, 1,087 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns. However, rookie running back Kyle Monangai also had a strong season, with 169 carries, 783 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. With Swift's $8.8 million salary cap hit for 2026 and young quarterback Caleb Williams still on his rookie deal, the Bears may choose to invest in other positions and let Swift depart in free agency.

  • In the 2025 NFL season, Swift led the Bears in rushing yards and touchdowns.

The players

D'Andre Swift

A veteran running back for the Chicago Bears who led the team in rushing in the 2025 season.

Ben Johnson

The first-year head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2025.

Caleb Williams

The second-year starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears.

Kyle Monangai

A rookie running back for the Chicago Bears who had a strong 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“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. I hope it plays itself out that way. 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. I don't want to play nowhere else.”

— D'Andre Swift, Running Back (Chicago Sun-Times)

“I can do more. I wish I would've been able to contribute a little more in the passing game. We've got so many pass-catchers on the field, so whenever it does come up, I try to make something happen with it, but I do know I could do more.”

— D'Andre Swift, Running Back (Chicago Sun-Times)

What’s next

The Bears will need to decide whether to keep D'Andre Swift on the roster for the 2026 season, given his $8.8 million salary cap hit and the emergence of rookie running back Kyle Monangai.

The takeaway

D'Andre Swift's uncertain future with the Bears highlights the difficult decisions NFL teams face in managing their salary cap and roster, especially when younger, cheaper options emerge. Swift's strong 2025 season may not be enough to keep him in Chicago, as the Bears weigh their options to build a contending team around young quarterback Caleb Williams.