One of the biggest questions facing the Chicago Bears when it comes to the future is what it will take to retain starting running back D'Andre Swift. While backup Kyle Monangai has been impressive, there isn't reason to believe that the second-year back is capable of stepping into Swift's role, but rather the duo perfectly works together and should be utilized beyond just the 2026 season. With this in mind, it is incredibly notable that the Bears opted not to add to the position in this year's draft class.
Swift had to take note of this and realize the increase in leverage handed to the playmaker due to the lack of threats behind him. The rusher is entering the last year of his deal and has more than earned an extension coming off the 2025 season. Swift finished averaging 4.9 yards per carry while adding nine rushing touchdowns and 34 receptions for 299 receiving yards. To put it simply, the back is an offense unto himself in Ben Johnson's system and deserves more respect.
The flip side of this is pointing out that Chicago's lack of additions and the remaining contract questions have put Swift into the driver's seat. Thriving within the system of Johnson, it isn't out of the question that the rusher plays out the remaining year on his deal and cashes in on free agency, going to the highest bidder.
Bears Lack of Additions to Chicago Backfield Hands D'Andre Swift All the Leverage
Chicago is well aware of this and is now under more pressure to find a way to get a deal done after its draft decisions. There simply is no clear future answer that can step in and provide the support to Caleb Williams that the duo of Monangai and Swift are currently offering. All of this should add up to the Bears having a sense of urgency to get a deal done.
Even with Swift firmly being in the driver's seat when it comes to leverage, getting an extension done shouldn't be out of Chicago's comfort zone. A comparable situation could be Javonte Williams and the Dallas Cowboys, where the franchise allowed Williams to reach free agency and responded with a three-year deal worth $24 million.
It is a very reasonable deal and in the ballpark that Swift should be seeking after the draft decisions made it clear the Bears have no other viable options. With this in mind, it is simply a question of whether the rusher wants to use his leverage ahead of the 2026 season or attempt to let the year play out and gain an even higher level of control.
Regardless of the answer, from Chicago's perspective, there is every reason to attempt to reach a deal and keep your offensive core locked up beyond the 2026 season. The draft simply headlined the need for this and made it clear that Swift is an even more important commodity within the Chicago offense.
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