Ryan Poles Hints Two Key Chicago Bears Playmakers Likely Returning in 2026
Bears GM Ryan Poles addressed outside interest in two offensive contributors and suggested Chicago feels confident about bringing them back in 2026.
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles is not signaling a major offensive reset. At least, if you take him at his word from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Ben Johnson's group will look very similar next season.
Poles addressed speculation surrounding two key offensive contributors -- D'Andre Swift and Cole Kmet -- and suggested both are trending toward returning in 2026.
“I feel pretty good about [them] being here, but again, there’s a lot more calls coming in on interest in some of these guys, so we have to sequence that out to see how it impacts our team,” Poles said, via the Sun-Times. “I’ve talked about cost of replacement, so what does that look like?
“We know what we need to do, but any new, unique opportunities that might pop up are usually going to pop up here, and then we’ll get back and sort it all out and make decisions, but I feel pretty good about those guys.”
D'Andre Swift delivered a productive 2025 season during Chicago’s NFC North title run. He carried the ball 223 times for 1,087 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and scored nine rushing touchdowns. He also added 34 receptions, giving the offense balance and explosiveness.
Replacing that level of efficiency is not simple.
Cole Kmet, meanwhile, operated in a more complementary role in 2025 but remained a reliable presence. He caught 30 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns. His 11.6 yards per reception reflected steady chain-moving production in a restructured offense.
MORE: Should the Chicago Bears pursue Trent Williams if he's released?
Those numbers don't jump off the page, but they fit within the broader offensive growth.
Chicago improved its offensive rhythm in 2025 while building around Caleb Williams. Stability at running back and tight end helped that transition.
Poles referenced “cost of replacement” for a reason. Finding comparable production at equal or lower cost is rarely clean.
Swift provides burst and pass-catching ability. Kmet offers blocking stability and is QB-friendly. Both played meaningful roles in Chicago’s playoff push and are locker room leaders.
Poles did not guarantee anything. He left room for “unique opportunities.” But that phrasing reflects due diligence, not instability.
For now, momentum favors the Chicago Bears running it back in 2026.
