After shedding his injury-prone reputation in Philadelphia, the Chicago standout prepares to anchor an elite backfield rotation and secure his future through a potentially historic rushing campaign.
D'Andre Swift joined the Chicago Bears in 2024 after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He started his NFL career with the Detroit Lions in 2020 and had injury issues early on. He never once completed a full season while with Detroit. The most games he played in from 2020-22 was 14.
The talent was definitely there, but Swift never got to express himself in the crowded Lions backfield.
He then went to the Eagles and had the first 1,000-yard season of his NFL career. Even though he had a good year, the Eagles weren't willing to pay him, and he ended up at the Bears.
He has been the epitome of consistency in Chicago. He's recorded 2,046 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, only missing one game in the last two years.
One of the harsh realities for a running back in the NFL is that the market is extremely volatile. Running backs aren't paid as much as they used to be.
Swift is heading into a vital year of his Bears tenure. Per Spotrac, his contract expires in 2027, and he's set to be an unrestricted free agent unless the franchise gives him another contract.
He's currently on a three-year, $24 million contract with the Bears.
With a contract year in 2026, Swift said at a recent press conference that his best football was ahead of him.
"100%," Swift said. "I feel like I'm just getting started if you ask me, but I do feel like that."
It will be exciting to see Swift take his game to another level after what he's already accomplished with the Bears. He had 1,000 yards in 2025, which was just the second time he'd done that in his career.
The Bears' offense has changed a little, but the backfield rotation of Swift, Kyle Monangai, and Roschon Johnson is going to remain the same.
The potential for Swift to grow even more with another year in this Ben Johnson offense is very high.
We know the Bears will still prioritize establishing the run and building the passing game through it.
Swift and Monangai nearly became the first running back duo to break 1,000 yards. If they are able to achieve this in 2026, it would be just the sixth time that it has happened in NFL history.
The sky truly is the limit for Swift and the Bears' running game with another year in Johnson's offense.
