Bears face difficult D'Andre Swift decision before taking a snap in 2026

The Chicago Bears surprised many when they not only kept D’Andre Swift but also used him as their feature runner last season.

Swift wound up having a career year playing under a head coach who apparently did not like him during their last stay together. Now that Swift has looked so good in the offense, the question has shifted from whether he will get cut to whether he will get extended. Matt Bowen of ESPN did an early look into the 2027 offseason, and he noted that Swift has a chance to be the second-best running back available in free agency, behind Jonathan Taylor.

"Swift boosted his value last season in coach Ben Johnson's offense. He rushed for a career-high 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 34 receptions. Part of a backfield rotation, he fits best in zone-heavy scheme where he can press the ball to daylight and contribute to the pass game."
Matt Bowen

Will the Chicago Bears extend D’Andre Swift?

Things can change, but the expectation is that the Indianapolis Colts will re-sign Taylor before the end of next season. So, there is a real chance that Swift enters as the best free agent on most teams, most boards. Of course, that is if the Bears do not get a deal done.

There are two ways to look at it. First, Swift is obviously a great fit; there won't be any free agents better, so they should sign him. However, a more complicated idea is thinking that Swift did what any running back would do in the Ben Johnson scheme. Kyle Monangai was a late pick and had success as a rookie. They could find another late pick or a cheap free agent with the same quality as Swift.

Swift will have production on his side, and if he produces again in 2026, there will be teams ready to bid for his services. The Bears should feel happy for Swift, but think that they can turn whoever they add into the next Swift, and continue to churn through running backs. This would allow them to put resources into other positions.

It is not quite as cut-and-dried as it may appear, and there are strong arguments on both sides. The odds are that the team will see how Swift performs early in training camp, and if they feel good about it, they will work on an extension then. For now, Swift could have his eyes on a big prize in free agency next year.