Chicago Bears’ Biggest Offseason Dilemma: Is D’Andre Swift Still Their Lead Back?

The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 offseason with several pressing roster decisions, but an unexpected position has been identified as their biggest concern —running back. Most would have assumed such arrangements would be put into consideration on the offensive and defensive line front but Pro Football Focus (PFF) believes that Bears' most important decision revolves around D’Andre Swift.
After signing D’Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million deal in 2024, the Bears expected him to be a key piece of their offense. However, he struggled to consistently pick up tough yards between the tackles, leaving questions about his fitness in the system. With new head coach Ben Johnson focused on building a strong running game, the Bears now have to decide whether to stick with Swift or bring in a more physical, every-down back who better fits their vision.

Given his $8.7 million dead cap hit, outright cutting Swift seems unlikely. However, that doesn’t mean he’ll remain the Bears’ top running back in 2025. Instead, it’s expected that Johnson will look for a more physical, between-the-tackles runner who would fit his ideas on offense.
PFF’s Bradley Locker noted the challenges of addressing the position, writing:
Swift’s performance, coupled with Johson’s intention to run the ball, has led many around the football world to speculate about upgrades — but pinpointing the location is tricky,"
Free agency doesn’t provide many long-term solutions, and the only top-tier name left is an old veteran- Aaron Jones, who isn’t a logical fit for Chicago. So, the best thing the Bears can do is look for their next feature back in the 2025 NFL Draft.

If the Bears seek to address the position in the draft, Day 2 looks like the sweet spot. PFF suggests North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Iowa's Kaleb Johnson as potential second-round targets. Either one offers the downhill, bruising running style that Johnson may prefer over Swift's elusive, outside-the-tackles running.
If the Bears do invest an early pick in a running back, that may signal a relatively short run for Swift as the lead back. He will only incur a $1.3 million dead cap hit should they choose to move on following 2026, so if he does not fit Johnson's long-term vision, the Bears can easily release him.
While the upgrades for offensive and defensive lines remain of great importance, the running back position has emerged as a bigger question this offseason than originally expected. With Swift's future being an uncertain RB1, the incline favors a Bears key addition in the upcoming draft. This does not bode well for Swift, who may have his role reduced or might even leave; it seems Chicago's main running-back role has become vacant much sooner than anyone expected.
Also Read : Chiefs are facing an identity crisis on offense, regardless of Travis Kelce mulling retirement