All Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift needed for 2026 was some extra motivation to push for another career year, and he just got it.
Swift is coming off the best season of his career as he rushed for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns, cementing his spot as one of the top running backs in the NFL. That kind of performance should earn him the respect he deserves, but it does not seem to be the case.
ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler shared a survey of league executives, scouts, and coaches sharing who they believe are the NFL's best running backs entering 2026. Swift did not make the top 10 and wasn't even one of the three honorable mentions, but did receive some votes, placing him in that category with six other backs.
D'Andre Swift not nearly getting enough love from the NFL
Among running backs who had at least 200 carries last season, Swift was tied for sixth in the NFL in rushing yards per carry with 4.9. He also converted the eighth-most first downs in the league with 62. Swift was also 11th in rushing touchdowns with nine.
Sure, the stats may not be flashy with Swift compared to other running backs in the NFL, but what he did with each touch should at least put him in the conversation for being one of the top 10 rushers in the league. He does the two most important things for a running back: convert first downs and average four to five yards per carry.
Kyle Monangai might be part of the reason that some of the glory is taken away from Swift since the two split carries. Swift still finished with more touches than Monangai, but the 2026 season should feature more from Monangai.
A key to Swift being great is the help he is getting from the offensive line, as the Bears went from being the worst rushing attack in 2024 to being the third-best in the league last year. Giving Swift those holes more often helped him show off the skills fans knew he had if given the right help around him.
The wild part about the lack of respect for Swift is the number of articles that came out this offseason calling for his release or trade. Many believed the Bears would save money and find his replacement for someone in the draft. Plus, 2026 is the final season on his contract, so some thought it was better to move on now than to see him walk in free agency next offseason.
Read more: Bears fans hope this nonstarter can positively impact 2026 season
It's a good thing Swift didn't leave because he's got plenty of motivation to be even better than he was in 2025. Give him a full season with the Bears, and he's got a chance to put up another career season and get the critics to talk about him more often.
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