Why Kyle Monangai Should Lead the Bears' Backfield in 2026

D'Andre Swift remains one of the NFL's more versatile offensive weapons, but if the Bears are serious about building an efficient, sustainable rushing attack under head coach Ben Johnson, second-year back Kyle Monangai deserves the first opportunity to become the primary ball carrier.

That's not an indictment of Swift. It's a reflection of what Monangai showed throughout his rookie season.

Kyle Monangai Already Looks Like a Starting Running Back

Monangai finished 2025 with 783 rushing yards, 4.6 yards per carry and five rushing touchdowns despite opening the year in a complementary role. Those numbers become even more impressive when you consider the type of runner he proved to be as a rookie.

He consistently generated efficient production despite not handling a full-time workload. His running style aligns with many of the metrics NFL teams now prioritize: generating yards after contact, avoiding negative runs, turning routine carries into successful plays, and keeping the offense ahead of the chains.

Monangai isn't built around home-run speed as much as he is decisiveness, balance, and physicality between the tackles. Those traits don't always produce highlight-reel runs, but they consistently generate efficient rushing attempts that offensive coordinators covet, creating manageable second- and third-down situations while sustaining drives.

That's exactly the style Monangai brought to Chicago.

He isn't the flashiest runner on the roster, nor is he the most dangerous receiver out of the backfield. What he does exceptionally well is finish runs with authority, protect the football, and consistently create positive plays. Those traits become increasingly valuable for a Bears offense built around Caleb Williams' continued development.

D'Andre Swift Still Has an Important Role

Swift should still have an important role. His receiving ability, perimeter speed, and experience make him a difficult matchup, particularly on passing downs and in two-minute situations. Ben Johnson has consistently utilized multiple running backs throughout his coaching career, and there's little reason to believe that philosophy will change in Chicago. It also shouldn't be overlooked that Swift is coming off the best season of his NFL career.

But Monangai is the player who can set the tone on first and second down, force defenses to respect the run, and create favorable down-and-distance situations.

The Bears Should Lean Into a More Physical Identity

If the Bears' offensive line performs as expected, even after the retirement of center Drew Dalman, Chicago should lean into a physical rushing identity rather than treating the ground game as merely an extension of its passing attack.

The NFL may never return to the ground-and-pound era, but the pendulum has begun to swing back toward physical football. The league's best offenses aren't abandoning the pass; they're complementing it with downhill rushing attacks that control the line of scrimmage, dictate the tempo of games and create more favorable situations for their quarterbacks. Running the ball isn't about avoiding the pass anymore—it's about making the passing game even more dangerous.

That's why Monangai should have the first crack at leading Chicago's backfield in 2026. His no-nonsense running style embodies the identity Ben Johnson is trying to establish, and behind what should once again be one of the NFL's better offensive lines, he has the skill set to become the tone-setter this offense needs. If the Bears want to build one of the NFC's most balanced and difficult offenses to defend, Monangai is the running back who should lead the way.