What's Happening?
The Chicago Bears have agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million contract extension with running back D'Andre Swift. This new deal includes $27.5 million guaranteed, solidifying Swift's position with the team for the foreseeable future. Swift, who will turn
28 in January, is coming off a career-high season in 2025, where he recorded 1,087 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. This performance was a significant turnaround from his first season with the Bears in 2024, which was described as a 'letdown' with 959 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His advanced efficiency metrics also saw a substantial improvement in 2025, ranking higher in true yards per carry, explosive rating, yards created per touch, and EPA. The extension comes as Swift was entering the final year of his previous three-year, $24.5 million contract signed in March 2024.
Why It's Important?
This contract extension is crucial for the Chicago Bears as it secures a key offensive player who demonstrated significant improvement and production in the 2025 season. Swift's career-high performance was a major factor in the Bears finishing third in the NFL with 2,456 rushing yards. His ability to contribute to a dynamic ground game is highly valued by the team's offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, who previously emphasized the importance of a strong run game during his time with the Detroit Lions. By extending Swift, the Bears aim to maintain continuity and strength in their rushing attack, which is a foundational element of their offensive strategy. This move also prevents Swift from entering free agency, avoiding the need to search for a new running back to complement Kyle Monangai, who also exceeded expectations.
What's Next?
With the extension finalized, D'Andre Swift is set to continue as the starting running back for the Chicago Bears. The team will likely focus on integrating Swift further into their offensive schemes, building on the success of the 2025 season. The stability provided by this long-term contract allows the Bears to plan their offensive strategy with a clear understanding of their backfield personnel. This decision also signals the team's commitment to their current offensive philosophy, which prioritizes a strong running game. Fans and analysts will be watching to see if Swift can maintain or even surpass his career-best performance in the upcoming seasons, justifying the significant investment made by the Bears.
Beyond the Headlines
The extension of D'Andre Swift highlights a broader trend in the NFL regarding the valuation of running backs. While the position has seen fluctuating market values in recent years, significant contracts like Swift's indicate that teams are still willing to invest heavily in productive and versatile players who can anchor a rushing attack. This move also reflects the Bears' confidence in their coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, whose play-calling is credited with Swift's resurgence. The decision to extend Swift, despite a less-than-stellar first season with the team, underscores a belief in player development and the strategic importance of a strong ground game in today's NFL. It also suggests a shift from his previous team, the Detroit Lions, where he reportedly fell out of favor due to injury and vision concerns.
