Source: ESPN
Summary
The Chicago Bears signed running back D’Andre Swift to a three-year, $33.75 million extension, according to ESPN. The deal includes $27.5 million in guaranteed money. Swift was entering the final year of his previous contract with the Bears. Last season, he rushed for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 34 receptions for 299 yards. The Bears ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2025. Swift was a 2023 Pro Bowler with the Eagles and has averaged 1,023.0 yards and 7.5 touchdowns per season with the Bears since 2024.
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
Swift’s deal fits the pattern of teams locking up their best players before they hit free agency.
He’s a workhorse with numbers that make sense for a top-15 back.
The Bears are building around their running game, which worked last year.
It’s the same story every year: teams overpay for proven talent.
Author: Evan Null
Swift’s Extension: A Familiar Move
D’Andre Swift’s new contract with the Chicago Bears is another example of a team trying to secure its best player before they hit the open market. The deal is structured to reward his performance and keep him in the fold for the foreseeable future.
Swift’s 2025 season was his best yet, with career highs in rushing yards and touchdowns. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver made him a valuable asset to the Bears’ offense.
The Bears are banking on his continued production as they look to build on their success from last season. His new contract is a sign that the team sees him as a key part of their long-term plan.
With the addition of Kyle Monangai, the Bears have a strong running back duo that could be a major factor in their 2026 season.
Swift’s move to the Bears in 2023 was a big one, and now he’s solidifying his place in Chicago for years to come.
The Numbers Behind the Deal
The three-year, $33.75 million extension for D’Andre Swift includes $27.5 million in guaranteed money. This is a significant investment by the Bears, showing their confidence in his ability to continue performing at a high level.
His average annual value of $11.25 million places him 14th among NFL running backs, which is a fair valuation given his production and experience.
Swift was coming off a contract that paid him $24 million over three years, and this new deal represents a substantial raise. It also ensures he won’t be a free agent until 2027.
His performance in 2025, including 1,087 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, was a key factor in the Bears’ decision to extend him. He also showed his versatility with 34 receptions for 299 yards.
The extension is a strategic move that gives the Bears long-term stability at the running back position.
Swift’s Career Path
D’Andre Swift’s NFL career began with the Detroit Lions in 2020, where he was selected with the 35th overall pick. He spent three seasons with the Lions before being traded to the Eagles in 2023.
His time with the Eagles was brief but impactful, as he was named a 2023 Pro Bowler. That performance helped him land with the Bears, where he quickly became a key part of the offense.
Since joining the Bears in 2023, Swift has averaged 1,023.0 yards and 7.5 touchdowns per season. His receiving stats have also been impressive, with 342.5 yards per season over the past two years.
His journey from the Lions to the Eagles and now to the Bears shows his ability to adapt and thrive in different systems.
Swift’s move to Chicago has been a success, and the new contract is a reflection of that.
The Bears’ Running Game
The Chicago Bears have one of the most explosive running games in the league, and D’Andre Swift is at the center of it. His ability to run between the tackles and catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a threat in any situation.
With Kyle Monangai as his backup, the Bears have a strong one-two punch that can carry the offense. Monangai had a solid rookie season in 2025, rushing for 783 yards and five touchdowns.
The Bears ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards per game last season, which is a testament to the effectiveness of their running game. Swift and Monangai were key contributors to that success.
Head coach Ben Johnson has built an offense that relies heavily on the run, and Swift is the engine that makes it go.
With both backs healthy and performing well, the Bears have a solid foundation for their 2026 season.
Looking Ahead
The Bears are set to open the 2026 season against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon. This game will be a test for the team as they look to build on their success from last year.
Swift’s new contract gives the team confidence that he will be a key part of their offense for years to come. His production and leadership on the field are valuable assets.
With the running game as a strength, the Bears have a good chance to make a playoff run in 2026. Their ability to control the clock and keep the offense moving will be crucial.
Swift’s extension is a sign that the team is committed to building around its core players. This approach has worked in the past, and it’s likely to continue.
As the season approaches, fans will be looking for more of the same from Swift and the Bears’ running game.
