The walls might be closing in on D'Andre Swift right now. As solid as he was for the Chicago Bears last season, the running back position isn't at the top of the team's priority list right now, and they have other issues to address.
That's why, now that the Dallas Cowboys have brought Javonte Williams back on a three-year deal, he might have one less option left if the Bears decide to move on from him. Now, he can only pray that's not the case.
D'Andre Swift's Outlook is Looking Grim Right Now
Swift has been vocal about his desire to stay with the team. In fact, he recently went on the record to say that he hoped to be back in the Windy City next season and beyond. There's a case to be made for that, but also for the opposite.
The former Detroit Lion had a solid campaign in the first year of Ben Johnson's tenure in Chicago. He logged 1,087 rushing yards and nine scores on 223 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. He also had 34 receptions for 299 yards and one touchdown.
Nevertheless, the Bears don't have much wiggle room right now. According to Over The Cap, Ben Johnson's team is currently $4.11 million over the salary cap. They still need to add more talent to the front seven and figure out a way to keep Kevin Byard III and potentially Nahshon Wright in town.
Trading or cutting their veteran running back would save them $7.47 million. That makes him a no-brainer salary-cap casualty, especially with a promising workhorse running back like Kyle Monangai also on the roster and on a team-friendly deal.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings might also be in the market for a running back. So could be the New York Jets if they don't keep star Breece Hall in town with the franchise tag or a new deal.
Then again, teams are often hesitant to spend big bucks in this position. Running backs are often wrongfully seen as expendable, and they would rather use a mid-round draft pick or roll the dice with an undrafted free agent than trade for or sign a veteran.
Swift's best shot at getting on the field is to stay in Chicago, even with Monangai potentially taking on a bigger role in his second year in the league. Then again, this is a ruthless business, and he may not have a say in this.