D'Andre Swift Sends Clear Message to Bears Ahead of NFL Free Agency

The running back wants to stay in Chicago after a career-best season.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift has publicly expressed his desire to remain with the team as he enters the final year of his contract. Swift is coming off the most productive season of his career, rushing for 1,087 yards and 9 touchdowns, and he made it clear he doesn't want to play anywhere else. The Bears must now decide whether to invest in retaining Swift or pivot to a cheaper, younger option at the position.

Why it matters

Swift's comments come at a critical time for the Bears, who are evaluating their roster and priorities ahead of the NFL offseason. Retaining Swift would provide continuity in their run-heavy offense, but running back is one of the league's most devalued positions, so the team must weigh the cost of keeping him against potential alternatives.

The details

Swift is entering the final season of a three-year, $24 million deal he signed with the Bears. He's coming off a career-best year in which he rushed for 1,087 yards and 9 touchdowns, plus 299 receiving yards. The Bears must now decide whether to invest additional money in keeping Swift, attempt to restructure his deal, or allow him to approach free agency next year without long-term security.

  • Swift made his comments to the Chicago Sun-Times on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

D'Andre Swift

A 27-year-old running back who has spent his entire NFL career with the Chicago Bears. He is coming off the most productive season of his career in 2025.

Ben Johnson

The offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, who has overseen the team's successful run-heavy offense.

Kyle Monangai

A Bears running back who flashed starting-caliber upside when called upon in 2025, rushing for 176 yards and 22 receiving yards in the lone game Swift missed.

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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 (Chicago Sun-Times)

What’s next

The Bears will have to decide in the coming months whether to re-sign Swift, attempt to restructure his deal, or allow him to test free agency next year.

The takeaway

Swift's public comments highlight the difficult decision facing the Bears this offseason. Retaining the productive running back would provide stability, but the team must weigh the cost against the potential to find a cheaper alternative. The outcome of these negotiations could have a significant impact on the Bears' offensive identity going forward.