When the Chicago Bears got running back D'Andre Swift in the offseason last year, there were hopes of him dominating like he did with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, but that wasn't the case.
Swift struggled to find success throughout the 2024 campaign in Chicago. Much of that is attributed to the poor play of the offensive line, but Swift didn't demonstrate the big-play potential he showed in Philadelphia. Swift averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, which was the lowest of his NFL career.
While Swift will still be the starter entering training camp, rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai might be standing in his way as a legitimate threat, with Roschon Johnson also in the mix. A new regime in Chicago could ultimately push Swift out of town sooner than some might expect.
Swift's uncertain future could end with a pink slip before the 2025 season
Bleacher Report writer Alex Kay shared a list of six veterans he believes could be cut, similar to what the Green Bay Packers did with cornerback Jaire Alexander. Swift was included on that list, with Monangai challenging him, as well as a lack of production in 2024, could put a sour taste in the Bears' mouths.
"Despite Kyle Monangai being the lone notable backfield addition, Chicago could still opt to move on from incumbent starter D'Andre Swift this offseason.
Swift has struggled since coming over from the Philadelphia Eagles last year. After breeching the 1,000-yard rushing mark and averaging a steady 4.6 yards per carry in 2023, he only mustered 959 yards on his 253 totes—a concerning 3.8 YPC average.
Swift was able to retain a stranglehold on the RB1 duties (he was on the field for 66 percent of the offensive snaps) largely because of a lack of competent players behind him on the depth chart last season.
Monangai represents a chance for actual competition this offseason. While expectations aren't sky-high for a late-Day 3 pick, the Rutgers product has drawn comparisons to fellow Scarlet Knight Isiah Pacheco and could push Swift for touches with a strong camp.
With Swift having cap hits of $9.33 million and $8.83 million on the remaining two years of his deal, the Bears could push to deal the veteran and clear up some cap room. Cutting Swift is also be an option, especially if he's struggling in practice and the team can't find a taker on the trade market."
The concern with moving on from Swift is whether Monangai and Johnson can do what Swift isn't able to do better than he. Johnson saw his problems last year, averaging just 2.7 yards per game after the Bears picked him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Monangai is not the most polished rusher as he needs to work on his patience and vision to hit the hole.
If the Bears thought they needed to look at moving on from Swift, they would have picked a running back sooner in the draft. Instead, they got quarterback Caleb Williams, a tight end, an offensive lineman, and a wide receiver in the early rounds of the draft.
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At 26, it's too early for Chicago to offload Swift, as he can still be the dynamic back who can run and catch out of the backfield. Swift has experience in Johnson's offense after spending time together during the 2022 season, so he's got an advantage there.
The option can be left out there to move on from Swift, but with an improved offensive line around him, he's better set up for success to not consider a move until at least the trade deadline.