All eyes for the Chicago Bears appear to be the running back position.
Of course, the Bears have significant needs along both the offensive and defensive lines, but one of the main takeaways from Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine was that team plans to address the running back position this offseason.
When Ryan Poles met with the media on Tuesday morning, the impression was that not only were the Bears looking to add another running back this offseason, they were looking to add a starting running back. That wasn't exactly a glowing endorsement of D'Andre Swift, who signed a lucrative three-year contract with the Bears last offseason.
The Bears looking to add a running back this offseason is something that head coaching candidate Eddie George alluded to while speaking about his interview with the team. George indicated the Bears have interest in both Ohio State running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Both running backs are expected to go on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Adding either of the rookie running backs wouldn't mean the Bears would move on Swift, however, there have been a handful of speculated trade ideas involving the veteran this offseason.
Ben Johnson met with reporters on Tuesday, and the initial impression is that the first-year head coach plans to utilize Swift in his offense with the Bears.
Bears coach Ben Johnson says he’s always been a big fan of RB D’Andre Swift (calls him “Swifty”) and believes he can “ignite the offense as a playmaker.” Says he’s looking forward to working with him this spring.
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) February 25, 2025
Admittedly, most of the speculation on the Bears moving on from Swift is stemmed from lazy armchair reporting. Many are taking the fact that the Lions traded Swift while Johnson was their offensive coordinator as a sign that the Bears will follow suit this offseason and do the same. If anything, Johnson's comments on Tuesday will put to rest the idea that he is on bad terms with Swift.
The NFL is also a leverage business. It wouldn't make any sense for Johnson to come out on Tuesday and confirm that he had no plans to use Swift in 2025.
The possible, if not likely, scenario is that the Bears are looking to add a workhorse-style running back this offseason, with Swift moving into a play-making role out of the backfield. In that scenario, Swift wouldn't be the lead back in the Bears' offense but still have a significant role.