Bears face growing D’Andre Swift dilemma as exploding RB market strengthens his case for a big new deal
Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift is heading into the final year of his three-year contract and is currently positioned to be the top back on the projected 2027 free agent list. That’s great news for him, but creates a tough situation for the Bears.
The Chicago Bears kicked off what promises to be an expensive 12 months by making Darnell Wright one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in NFL history.
That deal was the first pillar of several franchise-altering contract decisions looming over this organization when you factor in young players due for second contracts like quarterback Caleb Williams, and wide receiver Rome Odunze, along with the contract situations regarding tight end Cole Kmet cornerback Jaylon Johnson, and others.
The Bears have a loaded pipeline of contract decisions that will shape how this roster is structured for years to come. But the pending situation no one is talking about enough heading into the 2026 season is the future of running back D’Andre Swift.
The running back market is surging and creating the perfect storm for D’Andre Swift
Swift is entering into the final year of the three-year contract he signed with the Bears and there’s no better time to be a pending free agent at the running back position.
The running back market has exponentially increased over the last few days with no signs of slowing down. Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson signed a record-breaking three-year contract worth up to $75 million. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor agreed to a two-year, $44 million deal worth up to $47 million. And another deal is expected in the coming days, with the Detroit Lions reportedly set to jump Robinson’s contract to make running back Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in football.
Robinson and Gibbs were expected to reset the market and sign long-term deals with their respective teams, but Taylor’s deal is even more meaningful for Swift and the Bears. Taylor at one point seemed like the prime free agent target at the RB position, and a top potential target for Chicago heading into next offseason. He is now completely off the board.
The remaining list of available free agents in 2027 include Tony Pollard, Alvin Kamara, Aaron Jones, and James Conner as the top starting-caliber options with established track records. Beyond those top free agents, the rest of the group is filled with names such as Jordan Mason, Sean Tucker, Brian Robinson, and Rachaad White.
That is not the most attractive group compared to Swift, who is coming off the best season of his career after reuniting with head coach Ben Johnson.
D’Andre Swift still has something to prove in 2026 before hitting the market
There is still more meat on the bone for what the Bears wanted to see out of Swift last season. He understands what’s at stake going into the final year of his contract, and what he needs to do to improve in 2026. Time will tell whether Swift takes that next step this year with more polished play, but he will still be a main focal point of this offense.
“He’s a dynamic player,” Johnson said earlier this offseason. “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.”
If Swift doesn’t take that next step, the Bears will have to start thinking about other options. A lot of that also depends on Kyle Monangai and whether the second-year running back is ready to take full control of the backfield. If Monangai can establish himself as a legitimate starter, Chicago would not feel as pressured to invest in the large contract Swift could be in line for next offseason.
The Bears could also follow the same blueprint Johnson used in Detroit when the Lions parted ways with Swift in favor of drafting Gibbs in the first-round. Looking at the 2027 draft class, prospects like Kewan Lacy, Jadan Baugh, Ahmad Hardy, and Mark Fletcher Jr. are positioned as the top RB prospects. Lacy would be the best candidate to replace Swift, but that would mean using a first-round selection at running back.
This is shaping up to be a difficult decision for the Bears, and a great situation for Swift
Right now, the rapidly inflating running back market is actually boding well for Swift’s chances of sizable contract. With the top free agent options drying up, a strong 2026 season from Swift could make him a very rich man next offseason and in high demand.
For the Bears, the team will have to determine how vital he actually is to the long-term vision of this offense and if it’s worth paying up to sign him to a second contract and avoid getting into a bidding war on the open market. And if he’s not as vital, the Bears can simply let him walk and start exploring what the future of this backfield looks like. It’ll be a tough decision and the deciding factor will be how Swift performs this upcoming season.
