The Chicago Bears secured their backfield anchor ahead of the 2026 season opener, agreeing to a three-year contract extension worth up to $33.75 million with running back D’Andre Swift, according to an announcement by his agency, Athletes First.
The new agreement ties Swift to the franchise through the 2029 campaign, removing the uncertainty of impending free agency next offseason. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported that the deal includes $27.5 million in guaranteed money, locking in the veteran playmaker after a productive debut season in Chicago.
Building on a Career Season in Chicago
Swift arrived in the “Windy City” during free agency in 2024 on a three-year, $24 million contract. Last season, the 27-year-old running back put together the most productive year of his six-year NFL career, recording 257 touches, 1,386 total scrimmage yards, and 10 touchdowns across 16 games. His ground output featured a career-high 1,087 rushing yards and nine scores, complemented by 299 receiving yards and another touchdown through the air.
Head coach Ben Johnson expressed strong confidence in the running back throughout training camp, praising Swift’s grasp of the offensive system. Johnson credited new Bears running backs coach Eric Studesville with helping Swift refine his vision within the rushing attack.
“This is the best I’ve seen him this time of year,” Johnson said during training camp. “He bounces it when we’re supposed to bounce it. He hits it right on the spot when it’s there, and then he cuts it up.”
Mutual Commitment and Regular-Season Openers
Swift made no secret of his desire to remain with the franchise long-term as talks progressed behind the scenes. Speaking with reporters at the end of training camp, the running back voiced strong support for the coaching staff and the organization.
“If it was up to me, I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Swift said. “I do want to be here. I love the guys I work with, love the people I work with, the coaches and everybody upstairs. This is a five-star organization.”
With his contract security resolved, Swift enters Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte fully cleared and ready to shoulder a major share of the offensive workload alongside running back Kyle Monangai. The duo is expected to form the foundation of Chicago’s ground game as the team looks to build on last year’s progress under Johnson.
Career Statistics at a Glance
Over six professional seasons and 89 career games, Swift has established himself as a versatile dual-threat weapon out of the backfield:
- Rushing Attempts: 1,069
- Rushing Yards: 4,775
- Rushing Touchdowns: 38
- Receptions: 271 (on 354 targets)
- Receiving Yards: 2,097
- Receiving Touchdowns: 9
The Bears kick off their 2026 campaign on Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium against the Panthers, where Swift will debut his new three-year contract on the field.
Worth a look
