The moment Ben Johnson arrived as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, one incumbent player had the heat turned up on their seat more than any other. Based on their history together with the Detroit Lions, it seemed D'Andre Swift was not going to be very long for his role as the Bears' RB1.
Swift responded by having the best season of his career by many measures last season. But he's now a 27-year old running back who's heading into a contract year. With some big contract matters on their upcoming agenda, the Bears are lined up to have to reset the proverbial money clock with a younger running back to pair with Kyle Monangai.
There could be a transition toward Monangai as the Bears' No. 1 running back this season, but Swift will still be a factor. The question is whether he's around long-term, and the betting money would have to be on him not being.
However frankly, and obviously, the best way to reset a contract clock is via the draft.
Bears get their successor to D'Andre Swift in pre-training camp 2027 mock draft
With the 18th overall pick in an early-July 2027 mock draft, and what that implies about them narrowly missing the playoffs this season, Justin Melo of SI.com has the Bears finding their young replacement for Swift.
"Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has always expected more from his rushing attack. Perhaps he'll take the plunge with a first-round selection. Florida's Jadan Baugh is extremely physical with high-level change of direction ability. He's a pile mover with three-down upside."
After a freshman season highlighted by a five-touchdown game against Kentucky, Baugh became the Gators' lead back last season and finished third in the SEC with 1,170 rushing yards.
Baugh has ideal size (6-foot-1, 228 pounds) with a nose for the end zone (eight rushing touchdowns, 10 total touchdowns last season) and some untapped ability as a pass catcher. As would obviously be important to his three-down ability in the NFL, and a possible differentiator for Johnson and the Bears if/when they're evaluating running backs heading into next April's draft, Brian Bosare of Draft Countdown called Baugh a "highly physical asset in pass protection."
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Swift could get another notable bite at the contract apple if he has another nice season in 2026; it just isn't likely to be the Bears' re-upping with him under most any circumstance. With that expectation in mind, they will be seeking his replacement in the 2027 draft, and Baugh could very well end up as the No. 1 running back on their board.
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