D'Andre Swift looks primed for career year with Bears

He might be even better in 2026.

While much of the attention surrounding the Bears' offense this summer has understandably focused on Caleb Williams and an exciting group of young pass catchers, Swift has quietly been one of the most consistent standouts of training camp.

The veteran running back looks explosive. He's running with confidence. And behind an offensive line that has the potential to be among the NFL's best again, Swift has a legitimate opportunity to turn his final year under contract into the biggest season of his career.

D'Andre Swift has been one of Bears' training camp standouts

Swift's strong summer has been particularly noticeable when the Bears have turned up the physicality.

During Chicago's Aug. 11 practice, Ben Johnson designed the workout to resemble a game, opening with short-yardage and goal-line periods. Swift produced chunk runs and scored during the opening period before later breaking loose down the right sideline for a 62-yard touchdown. Chicago's offense repeatedly found success running behind Jonah Jackson and All-Pro right tackle Darnell Wright.

New center Garrett Bradbury is already a Swiftie.

"All he needs is a crease," Bradbury said. "Get that first level and second level handled, and he's off and running."

So far this summer, those creases have been there. And Swift has been hitting them.

Swift is coming off the best rushing season of his career

It's easy to forget just how good Swift was in Johnson's first season as Bears coach.

Swift established career highs with 1,087 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns on 223 carries, averaging a career-best 4.9 yards per attempt among seasons in which he handled at least 100 carries. He added 34 receptions for 299 yards and another touchdown, giving him 1,386 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns.

Pro Football Focus gave Swift an 81.0 overall grade and an 86.6 rushing grade, the latter ranking seventh among 55 qualified running backs. Not too shabby.

More importantly, Swift and Kyle Monangai gave Johnson exactly what he wanted from his backfield. They were the NFL's only running back duo to each surpass 750 rushing yards in 2025, helping Chicago pile up 2,456 rushing yards, third-most in the league.

Bears offensive line could unlock another level

Chicago's offensive environment remains extremely favorable for Swift.

Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Wright give the Bears three established studs up front, while Bradbury has stepped into the starting center job. The only unresolved position is left tackle.

Behind that group, Johnson can continue building an offense that forces defenses to account for Williams, Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze, Burden and Swift on virtually every snap.

That's a good situation for a running back with Swift's acceleration. And there's another factor worth watching.

Monangai is now week-to-week after suffering a hyperextended knee in practice. The Bears received encouraging MRI results, but his immediate absence could temporarily increase Swift's workload early in the regular season.

A career year could come at the perfect time for Swift

There's also a significant personal storyline attached to Swift's season. He's entering the final year of the three-year contract he signed with Chicago in 2024.

That makes 2026 potentially his final opportunity to convince the Bears — or another NFL team — that his best football is still ahead of him.

Another 1,000-yard campaign with improved touchdown production would land a significant pay raise. And nothing about Swift's training camp suggests regression is coming.

He's running behind a top-notch offensive line. He's playing in the second year of a Johnson offense that helped produce career highs last season. He's surrounded by enough receiving talent to prevent defenses from loading the box without consequences.

And did I mention how great Swift looks in practice?

There are bigger names on the Bears roster and younger players generating more August hype. But don't overlook the veteran running back. The best season of D'Andre Swift's career might still be coming.