The Chicago Bears had a very good year in Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach. Chicago finished with an 11-6 record, and they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round in overtime. The Bears success had a lot to do with the ground game on offense.
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Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) leaps with the ball toward the goal line against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (31) and linebacker Jared Verse (8) during the fourth quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
D’Andre Swift had a big year for Chicago. Kyle Monangi was the other running back in the Bears backfield as well. Should the Bears give Swift a long-term contract? He has one-year remaining on his contract.
ESPN Lists Chicago Bears RB D’Andre Swift As One of Top Running Backs In 2027 NFL Free Agency Class
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Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) leaps with the ball toward the goal line against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (31) and linebacker Jared Verse (8) during the fourth quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Matt Bowen of ESPN listed Swift as one of the top free agent running backs in the class of 2027. Bowen said, “Swift boosted his value last season in coach Ben Johnson’s offense. He rushed for a career-high 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 34 receptions. Part of a backfield rotation, he fits best in zone-heavy scheme where he can press the ball to daylight and contribute to the pass game.”
It would be smart for Chicago to sign him to a long-term deal. Swift has proven to be a difference for the Bears. This is a team that wants to win games at the line of scrimmage and signing him would be smart. Johnson is a coach that wants to establish the run and set up play action for quarterback Caleb Williams. If Swift does not sign a long-term deal with the Bears, then he will have a big market. This is why it would be smart for Chicago to get him signed now and not wait until later for this to happen.
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