D'Andre Swift Hopes to Stay with Bears After Career Revival

Running back wants to continue partnership with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson after breakout 2025 season.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is hoping to remain with the team after a career-best 2025 season under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Swift, 27, logged career highs in rushing yards (1,087) and rushing touchdowns (9) last year, helping the Bears make the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. However, with Swift heading into the final year of his contract, his future in Chicago remains uncertain.

Why it matters

Swift's potential departure would be a significant loss for the Bears, who relied heavily on his production in 2025. The team finished third in the NFL in rushing yards per game, and Swift's partnership with fellow back Kyle Monangai was a key part of their success. Retaining Swift could help the Bears maintain their offensive identity, while losing him would force them to find a new solution at the position.

The details

Swift credited Johnson's offensive system for opening up more big-play opportunities last season, after he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry in 2024. The running back said he didn't change his running style, but the upgraded offensive line and Johnson's play-calling helped him thrive. Swift is set to hit the salary cap for $8.8 million this season, less than the $9.3 million he cost in 2024, but with no guaranteed money left on his deal.

  • In 2022, Ben Johnson became the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, helping spur Swift to a career-best 5.5 yards per carry that season.
  • Following the 2022 season, Swift was traded from the Lions to the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • In 2025, Swift logged career highs in rushing yards (1,087) and rushing touchdowns (9) while playing under Johnson in his first season as the Bears' offensive coordinator.

The players

D'Andre Swift

A 27-year-old running back for the Chicago Bears who had a career-best season in 2025 under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Ben Johnson

The offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, who previously worked with D'Andre Swift when he was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 2022.

Kyle Monangai

The Bears' other starting running back, who formed a productive partnership with D'Andre Swift in 2025.

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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)

“First of all, Ben always believed in me as a player, so just him giving me opportunities was great. The more opportunities I'm given, the more I can make stuff happen.”

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

What’s next

The Bears will have to decide whether to re-sign D'Andre Swift or look for a cheaper, potentially younger option at running back as he enters the final year of his contract.

The takeaway

D'Andre Swift's resurgence under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson highlights the importance of finding the right system and coaching staff for a player to thrive. The Bears will have to weigh the value Swift brings against the cost of retaining him, as they look to build on their 2025 playoff appearance.