Bears Could Make Surprising Move With 1,000-Yard Veteran This Offseason

The Chicago Bears may have a difficult decision looming on the offensive side of the ball.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Ernesto Cova, it “wouldn’t be shocking to see the Bears entertain the possibility of trading or cutting D’Andre Swift.”

Cova points to the team’s cap constraints and its effort to reshape the roster.

While Swift is coming off a productive season, Cova noted that Chicago “needs to make up their minds” about the veteran running back amid financial pressure and emerging young talent.

Swift turned in one of the more efficient seasons of his career in 2025.

He carried the ball 223 times for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt.

He also remained a factor in the passing game, hauling in 34 receptions on 48 targets for 299 yards and another score.

After a slow start to the season, Chicago’s ground game found its rhythm around Week 5, with Swift delivering multiple 100-yard performances throughout the season.

Despite that production, Cova makes clear that financial realities are difficult to ignore.

Bears Cap Situation Could Impact Swift’s Future

The Bears are currently $5.3 million over the salary cap, according to Over The Cap.

Moving on from Swift, either via trade or release, would reportedly clear approximately $7.4 million in space.

With general manager Ryan Poles expected to prioritize defensive reinforcements this offseason, every dollar could matter.

Chicago’s defense, now under coordinator Dennis Allen, struggled to generate consistent pressure last season.

The front seven is widely viewed as an area in need of upgrades, and safety Kevin Byard is also set to hit free agency.

Cap flexibility could be essential if the Bears plan to remain aggressive on that side of the ball.

At the same time, the offense may already have sufficient firepower.

Quarterback Caleb Williams continues to develop, while Rome Odunze, Luther Burden II and Colston Loveland headline a young skill group that figures to take on larger roles in 2026.

Bears Rookie RB Emergence Adds New Layer

Swift’s situation is further complicated by the presence of rookie Kyle Monangai.

The seventh-round pick quietly put together an encouraging season of his own, rushing 169 times for 783 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

He also flashed explosiveness, including a 176-yard performance against Cincinnati and a 130-yard outing versus Philadelphia.

Monangai added 18 receptions for 164 yards, showing he can contribute situationally in the passing game as well.

His physical, downhill style gives Chicago a younger, more affordable option in the backfield.

That context strengthens the financial argument raised by Yahoo Sports, especially with the Bears sitting over the cap and able to clear meaningful space by moving Swift.

However, there is also reason to question whether a split would align with head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive philosophy.

Johnson has historically valued a two-back approach.

During his time in Detroit, he maximized the complementary skill sets of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, leaning on both runners to keep defenses off balance and sustain efficiency throughout games.

Chicago saw flashes of a similar formula in 2025, with Swift handling lead duties while Monangai provided a physical change of pace.

It’s not a storyline that has dominated headlines, but it’s one that could quietly shape Chicago’s offseason.

Whether the Bears ultimately move on or double down on their backfield pairing, Swift’s future is a decision worth watching.

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