Free agency decisions for key offensive playmakers are starting to take shape across the NFL. The Chicago Bears’ most productive rusher this past season addressed where he hopes to be when that process settles.
D’Andre Swift Says He Wants to Remain with Bears Ahead of Free Agency
Pro Bowl running back D’Andre Swift made his feelings clear on his future with the Bears in comments to “Chicago Sun-Times” reporter Jason Lieser.
“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. “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.”
Swift’s remarks come with free agency looming. His value to the Bears’ offense in 2025 under first-time head coach Ben Johnson was just as clear as his love for the Bears.
Statistically, Swift ranked sixth in PFSN’s RBi Metric. He set career highs with 1,087 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns. He helped the Bears rank third in the NFL in rushing at 144.5 yards per game. Swift also finished 12th in the league in rushing yards.
The efficiency jump was pronounced compared with 2024. Swift’s yards per carry improved from 3.8 to 4.9 in 2025 with a more decisive north-south running style and an upgraded offensive line. That transition coincided with the arrival of Johnson, whose scheme emphasized downhill movement and consistent gap rushing.
“First of all, Ben always believed in me as a player, so just him giving me opportunities was great,” Swift said of his new coach. “The more opportunities I’m given, the more I can make stuff happen.”
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Despite his ground success, Swift acknowledged that he believes there is more he can contribute in the passing game. He caught a career-low 34 passes for 299 yards and a touchdown last season, but pointed to his early work under Johnson in 2021 with the Lions, where he recorded 452 receiving yards on 62 receptions.
“I can do more,” he said. “I wish I would’ve been able to contribute a little more in the passing game. … I try to make something happen with it, but I do know I could do more.”
Swift’s value in both rushing and receiving, along with his ranking in the RBi metric, underscores why the Bears face a significant decision. Rather than exercising a $1.3 million out, the Bears have Swift under contract at an $8.8 million cap number for this season. His performance has shifted perceptions about his fit and durability within a revamped offensive system.
His contract is a logical candidate for restructuring. His $8.8 million cap hit is sizable for the position, and the $1.3 million out suggests the Bears built flexibility into the deal. After outperforming expectations, moving on feels unlikely.
Swift also acknowledged the role former running backs coach Eric Bieniemy played in establishing a productive backfield with rookie Kyle Monangai. Bieniemy’s departure to the Chiefs was noted by Swift, who said he was “sad to see him leave” but is “excited for” new coach Eric Studesville.
Just 27 years old, Swift is in what many consider a running back’s prime. His comments clarify where he hopes to be next season.
