Bears Weigh Tough Offseason Decisions on RB D'Andre Swift

Salary cap constraints could force Chicago to part ways with productive running back despite his desire to stay

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Chicago Bears face difficult roster decisions this offseason, including the future of running back D'Andre Swift. Despite Swift's strong 2025 campaign and his expressed desire to remain in Chicago, the team's salary cap challenges may compel them to part ways with the veteran back to free up cap space and invest in other areas of the roster, particularly the defense. Rookie running back Kyle Monangai's lower salary also complicates Swift's prospects, as the Bears weigh promoting the younger, more cost-effective option as their primary ball carrier.

Why it matters

D'Andre Swift has been a key contributor to the Bears' recent turnaround, but the team's financial constraints and need to improve the defense could force them to make tough choices about their roster, including potentially moving on from the productive running back. This highlights the challenges NFL teams face in balancing competitive aspirations with salary cap realities.

The details

Despite significant progress under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears will soon confront a demanding slate of opponents in the competitive NFC North. Improving their defense is a pressing priority, which may require difficult choices, including potentially parting ways with experienced players like Swift. According to salary cap tracking platform Spotrac, releasing or trading Swift could free up approximately $7.4 million for Chicago, a tempting prospect given their current financial tightness.

  • The Bears currently sit $5.3 million over the salary cap, according to OverTheCap.
  • Free agency begins in less than a month.

The players

D'Andre Swift

A veteran running back who played a key role in the Bears' success in 2025, rushing for 1,107 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears, who has helped turn the team's fortunes around.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, who will be responsible for making tough roster decisions this offseason.

Kyle Monangai

A rookie running back for the Bears who displayed promise during the 2025 season and could be a more cost-effective option for the team.

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What they’re saying

“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)

What’s next

The Bears will need to make a decision on D'Andre Swift's future in the coming weeks before free agency begins.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding D'Andre Swift's future with the Bears highlights the difficult roster decisions NFL teams must make to balance their competitive aspirations with salary cap constraints. This situation showcases the challenges teams face in retaining valuable players while also investing in other areas of the roster to remain competitive.