The Chicago Bears surprised many NFL fans this season by quickly turning their fortunes around, and running back D’Andre Swift played a key role in their success. However, with the team facing a tough schedule in the competitive NFC North and budget constraints looming, Swift’s continuation with the Bears remains uncertain as the offseason approaches.
Challenges Ahead for Chicago’s Roster and Salary Decisions
Despite significant progress under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears will soon confront a demanding slate of opponents. Improving their defense is a pressing priority, which may require difficult choices, including potentially parting ways with experienced players like Swift. According to salary cap tracking platform Spotrac, releasing or trading Swift could free up approximately $7.4 million for Chicago, a tempting prospect given their current financial tightness.
Swift’s strong 2025 campaign featured 223 carries for 1,107 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per run, and nine rushing touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver with 34 catches for 299 yards and one receiving touchdown. Though he’s not considered a superstar, Swift offers solid production at a cost many teams would find reasonable.
D’Andre Swift’s Desire to Remain with the Bears
The veteran running back expressed a clear wish to stay with Chicago but acknowledged that final decisions rest beyond his control. Speaking to the Chicago Sun-Times, he said,
“Hopefully, I did enough for them to want me back because I know I don’t want to go anywhere else. I hope it plays itself out that way. I love the city, I love the coaching staff, and the men that I work with. That’s out of my control, but if I had it my way, I’d be back. I don’t want to play nowhere else.”
?D’Andre Swift, Running Back
Swift’s attitude and contributions have earned him respect within the organization, yet the difficult financial situation may force management, led by general manager Ryan Poles, to weigh hard choices before free agency begins in less than a month.
Financial Constraints and Emerging Talent Influence Swift’s Prospects
The Bears currently sit $5.3 million over the salary cap, according to OverTheCap, which intensifies the pressure to restructure the roster. Improving the defense, especially the front seven, demands substantial investment, increasing the appeal of creating cap space by moving on from veteran players.
Meanwhile, rookie running back Kyle Monangai, a seventh-round draft pick, displayed promise during his rookie season. Though Monangai’s skill set differs from Swift’s, his comparatively low base salary of around $1 million makes him a cost-effective option for the Bears in 2026. This salary advantage could influence the team’s decision to promote Monangai as the primary ball carrier next season.
What Lies Ahead for Swift and the Bears Organization
The uncertainty surrounding D’Andre Swift’s future highlights the challenges the Bears face balancing competitive aspirations with salary cap realities. Fans are anxiously awaiting the organization’s decisions, knowing that Swift’s potential departure would mark the end of a noteworthy era.
As Chicago prepares for a critical offseason, the fate of one of their key offensive players remains unresolved. The coming weeks will determine if Swift’s desire to remain in the Windy City is fulfilled or if new paths lie ahead for both the running back and the franchise.
