Possibly the most surprising part of the Chicago Bears in 2025 was their ability to run the football.
This was a team that was one of the worst in the NFL in 2024 in rushing, but thanks to an improved offensive line, as well as the new running back combo of D'Andre Swift and rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai, the Bears finished third in the league in rushing last year. Swift finished as the leading rusher with a career-high 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns, while Monangai went for 783 yards and five touchdowns.
Chicago sports media had a chance to speak with Swift for the first time in the offseason during the Bears' first week of OTAs. He was asked about the combo of him and Monangai, with Swift only needing five words to talk about 2026 for the two.
“There is no drop off.”
D'Andre Swift expected to see him and Kyle Monangai not miss a beat
Swift and Monangai make for a great duo in the backfield as they are two different types of running backs. Monangai is more of the power back who will have no problems lowering the shoulders, while Swift has the speed to run to the outside.
While Bears fans love the combo at running back, there are questions about Swift's future with the franchise, as many believe 2026 will be his last. There are some who believe Swift should be given a contract extension to stay on the team, but due to the team's salary cap constraints, they might be leaning towards letting him walk in free agency next offseason.
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It's clear that Monangai is the future in the backfield for the Bears. Before the future arrives, though, Chicago is taking in the moment of a great duo working together to drive this offense in the right direction as it enters the 2026 season.
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