BREAKING: Chicago Bears Trapped in $24 Million Nightmare as D’Andre Swift Sinks Offense—A Crisis They Can’t Escape.
Once Seen as a Game-Changer, Swift’s Struggles Are Crippling Chicago’s Future—And There’s No Easy Way Out.
BREAKING: Chicago Bears Trapped in $24 Million Nightmare as D’Andre Swift Sinks Offense—A Crisis They Can’t Escape.
The Chicago Bears are facing a growing dilemma at the running back position, as D’Andre Swift, once considered a dynamic addition to their offense, has struggled to live up to expectations. After signing a three-year, $24 million contract last offseason, the former Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions running back was expected to bring explosiveness to the Bears’ ground game. However, his inconsistent performances have raised concerns about his role moving forward.
A Declining Performance
Swift’s 2024 season was underwhelming, to say the least. He rushed for 959 yards on a career-high 253 attempts, averaging just 3.8 yards per carry—a career-low for him. His success rate (a measure of how often a player gains a certain percentage of needed yards) dropped to 43.9%, highlighting his struggles to consistently produce positive plays.
More concerning is that Swift’s underperformance wasn’t due to poor blocking. The Bears’ offensive line ranked fifth in run block win rate, meaning the team provided him with solid opportunities to gain yards. Yet, Swift failed to capitalize, often hesitating behind the line of scrimmage or lacking the burst needed to break into the second level.
Impact on the Bears’ Offense
Swift’s struggles have put added pressure on Chicago’s offense, particularly rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams already faces the usual challenges of transitioning to the NFL, but a stagnant running game has made it even harder for the Bears to establish a balanced attack. Without a reliable ground game to lean on, defenses have focused on disrupting Williams, leading to inconsistent offensive production.
Head coach Ben Johnson, known for his innovative offensive schemes, was expected to unlock Swift’s potential. However, as the season progressed, it became evident that Swift’s style of play may not align well with Johnson’s system, which favors decisive runners who can break tackles and push through contact.
Could the Bears Move On from Swift?
General Manager Ryan Poles has hinted at possible changes in the Bears’ backfield. When asked about the team’s plans, he acknowledged the need for “additions” to the running back room, suggesting that the Bears could be looking for an upgrade. Chicago has been linked to several potential free-agent running backs, including Javonte Williams, a powerful runner who could provide the kind of physicality that Swift has lacked.
Swift’s contract also complicates matters. His three-year deal includes $15 million in guaranteed money, making it difficult for the Bears to simply move on from him without significant financial consequences. If the Bears were to cut him before the 2025 season, they would face a dead cap hit, making a release unlikely unless a trade partner emerges.
Optimism from the Coaching Staff?
Despite the growing criticism, Ben Johnson has publicly supported Swift, describing him as an “explosive athlete” and emphasizing his potential as a playmaker. At the 2025 NFL Combine, Johnson stated, “Swift is the kind of player who can ignite an offense. We need to find the best way to utilize his strengths.” This suggests that the Bears may attempt to rework their approach, possibly incorporating Swift more in the passing game.
While this vote of confidence may buy Swift some time, it doesn’t erase the fact that his current production is far below expectations. If he doesn’t improve, Chicago may be forced to look for alternatives sooner rather than later.
The Road Ahead
The Bears must decide whether to continue investing in Swift or shift their focus elsewhere. They could explore the 2025 NFL Draft for fresh talent, target a more reliable veteran in free agency, or give more opportunities to backup running backs already on the roster.
With Caleb Williams at the helm, the Bears are trying to build a sustainable, competitive offense—but an unreliable running game will make that task much harder. If Swift doesn’t turn things around soon, Chicago may be forced to move on, even if it means swallowing a costly contract decision.
For now, the Bears are stuck with Swift. But for how much longer?
