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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 18: D'Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
As the Chicago Bears navigate a tight salary cap situation heading into free agency, speculation has swirled around several veteran contracts. One name that surfaced in cut and restructure conversations was running back D’Andre Swift.
But based on Ryan Poles’ latest comments at the NFL Combine, Swift’s status appears far more secure than some anticipated.
When asked directly about Swift’s future, Poles made his stance clear:
“Yeah, I do feel good about it,” Poles said. “We’ll get through this next two weeks, see what different opportunities kind of pop up. It’s always difficult. There’s a lot of unknowns. But I feel good about Swifty and where he’s at.”
For a team navigating tight salary cap constraints, that is a meaningful endorsement of a key offensive player.
Ben Devine
It does sound like D’Andre Swift is safe from cuts for now, unless his cap space is really needed the next two weeks. #Bears
Poles Signals Confidence in Swift’s Future with Bears
Swift’s contract was viewed by some as a potential cap casualty, especially with Chicago exploring multiple avenues to create flexibility. However, Poles’ tone did not reflect urgency to move on.
Poles made it clear the team wants to take its time and see how things unfold before making any big decisions. He acknowledged that unique opportunities can emerge in the coming weeks but reiterated his comfort level with Swift’s place on the roster.
“I feel pretty good about those guys,” Poles said when discussing core veterans, later circling back specifically to Swift as someone he expects to remain in Chicago.
That phrasing matters.
Poles didn’t bring up any concerns about Swift’s play or hint that the team was looking for a replacement. If anything, he sounded comfortable keeping things as they are unless something unexpected dramatically alters the landscape.
Swift rewarded Poles’ trust in 2025.
He delivered one of the most complete seasons of his career, showing improved physicality between the tackles and consistency as a three down back.
Swift rushed for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns on 223 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. He also added 34 receptions for 299 yards and a score.
The Bears’ rushing attack became one of the more efficient units in the league with Swift as its focal point.
Bears Cap Strategy Points Toward Stability
Poles also made it clear that Chicago is cautious about restructuring contracts simply to push money into future years.
“There’s philosophical things that we believe in, in terms of not getting to this place where we’re kicking the can down the road on a bunch of guys,” Poles said. “At some point you’ve got to pay that bill.”
That philosophy reinforces why Swift is unlikely to be part of a panic move. If the Bears need space, they appear more interested in strategic sequencing rather than sacrificing productive contributors.
Unless a major roster-altering opportunity emerges over the next two weeks, Poles’ words strongly suggest Swift will remain a central piece of Chicago’s offense in 2026.