For the last two seasons, D’Andre Swift has operated as the Bears’ top running back. If the veteran has his way, that will continue in 2026. 
One year remains on Swift’s contract. However, none of his scheduled 2026 base salary is guaranteed, and the former Pro Bowler is due to carry a cap charge of $8.8MM next season. As such, many expect a release to take place in this case. Shedding Swift would generate $7.47MM in cap space against a dead money charge of just $1.33MM. The player’s preference, to no surprise, would be to avoid that scenario.
“I have no idea, but hopefully I did enough for them to want me back because I know I don’t want to go anywhere else,” Swift said (via Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times) when asked about his future. “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.”
Swift played under Ben Johnson during his third and final Lions season. After finishing his rookie contract with the Eagles, the former second-rounder reached the open market for the first time in his career. A $24MM pact was worked out, but its structure always left the door open to a release in 2026. Swift is due a $500K roster bonus on March 15, and a decision on his future will presumably have been made by that point.
Chicago’s backfield benefitted from the standout showing by seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai in 2025. The 23-year-old proved to be effective in the red zone and in short-yardage situations while averaging 4.6 yards per carry (a comparable figure to Swift’s efficiency). Monangai could be in line for an increased workload in 2026 after he handled 169 carries this past season.
Swift, 27, surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards for the third straight year in 2025 (and fourth in his career). He expressed a desire to be more involved in the passing game moving forward, although the Bears’ other options in that regard represent another reason why moving on could be seen as viable. An unwanted trip to free agency could be coming in this case as the Bears – one of the teams currently projected to be over the cap – plan out their financial approach to the spring.