The Chicago Bears aren't waiting until after the 2026 season to make a decision on D'Andre Swift's future.
Swift and the Bears have agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million contract extension that includes $27.5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The extension keeps Swift under contract with Chicago through the 2029 season.
It's a significant commitment to a player who has become an important piece of Ben Johnson's offense, and one that comes just days before Chicago opens its season against the Carolina Panthers.
Bears reward D'Andre Swift after career year
Swift was entering the final season of the three-year, $24 million contract he signed with Chicago in 2024 and was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. His previous deal carried an $8 million average annual value.
The extension represents a substantial raise, averaging $11.25 million per season in new money.
Swift is coming off the best rushing season of his career. He carried the ball 223 times for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. He also caught 34 passes for 299 yards and another touchdown.
It was Swift's first 1,000-yard rushing season with Chicago and helped the Bears finish with one of the NFL's most productive rushing attacks.
D'Andre Swift remains a major part of Bears' future
The timing of the extension is particularly interesting because Chicago already has another promising running back in Kyle Monangai.
Monangai rushed for 783 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie last season, giving the Bears a young and inexpensive complement to Swift.
The new contract makes it clear Chicago doesn't view the situation as an either-or proposition. Swift is 27 and now has security through 2029, while Monangai gives Johnson another productive option in the backfield. Rather than allowing Swift to enter a contract year with his future uncertain, Ryan Poles has locked down the veteran before the season begins.
It also signals that the Bears intend to maintain continuity around Caleb Williams.
Chicago has invested heavily in its offensive line, has young pass-catchers Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III under team control, and now has ensured its starting running back won't reach free agency after the season.
Swift has rushed for 4,775 rushing yards and 38 rushing touchdowns over his six NFL seasons, along with 2,097 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches.
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