It might be time to rethink our expectations for veteran Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift heading into a critical 2026 campaign.
Some of us (pointing squarely at myself here) have been skeptical of Swift’s upside in the Bears offense long-term, even after he experienced a monster turnaround last season when Ben Johnson, his former offensive coordinator in Detroit, took over as Chicago’s head coach. Both his absolute production (1,087 rushing yards and nine touchdowns) and his advanced metrics
pointed to one of the most improved backs in the league from 2024 to 2025, with Johnson’s focus on the run game and overall offensive competence a big reason for the positive change.
Turns out, Johnson thinks the 27-year-old back can still take things to another level this season—the final year of his current deal in Chicago.
“He’s a dynamic player,” Johnson said, via the Bears’ website. “I’ve known that about him since he came into the league, firsthand up there in Detroit, and certainly last year I wasn’t surprised about the year he had. So, is he capable of more? Absolutely. He absolutely is. He’s a vital part of what we do here.”
Swift hinted in an offseason presser that he agrees with his coach’s assessment, specifically noting that he feels he “left some [plays] out there” that could’ve helped him and the Bears offense have an even bigger year.
He’s not wrong about that, as you could say for just about any player. But the important part is that Swift did far more good than bad for Chicago last year despite that being true.
And the Bears, as currently constructed, no doubt have plans on using him a lot in 2026.
Right now, even with Kyle Monangai returning and rookie Zavion Thomas potentially getting a carry or two here and there as a rookie, Swift is clearly the lead dog in that backfield and showed last year he can make the explosive plays Johnson loves out of this offense more consistently than anyone in the room.
Unless we see a major trade for another vet, which feels unlikely given where the Bears are cap-wise, that’s not going to change. Swift will continue to carry the majority of the load both in the run and pass game, with Monangai serving as the change-of-pace thunder to his lightning.
While the Bears’ championship aspirations depend significantly on the growth of Caleb Williams and the passing game in the star quarterback’s third year, Chicago’s run game will set the tone for this offense as long as Johnson remains head coach.
And Swift, for the time being, is the head of the snake in that regard. Unlike last year, that actually feels like a strength heading into the season.
