Total Pro Sports
The Chicago Bears have several roster concerns heading into the 2025 offseason, but the biggest question mark isn’t on the offensive or defensive line- it’s at running back. After a disappointing 2024 season from D’Andre Swift, the team must decide if he remains their RB1 or if they need to make a major change.
With a new head coach Ben Johnson, prioritizing the run game, the Bears’ backfield situation is more uncertain than ever.
When the Bears signed D’Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million deal in 2024, they expected him to be a dynamic offensive weapon. Instead, he struggled to produce efficiently. Swift rushed for 959 yards on a career-high 253 attempts, averaging just 3.8 yards per carry- his worst mark yet. His success rate of 43.9% also marked a career low.
His season got off to a disastrous start, with only 31 rushing yards through the first three weeks. While he rebounded with 388 rushing yards and four touchdowns over the next four games, his inconsistency remained an issue. He had just one game over 100 yards, managing 129 in a Week 8 loss to Washington. Despite some highlight-worthy runs of 36, 39, and 59 yards, Swift’s struggles left the Bears questioning his long-term fit.
Would you be okay with the Chicago Bears running it back with this group?
QB Caleb Williams
RB D’andre Swift
WR DJ Moore
WR Keenan Allen
WR Rome Odunze
TE Cole Kmet#nfl #chicagobears pic.twitter.com/5yNlhxoKVz— 1920 BEARS (@1920bears) February 13, 2025
Ben Johnson, the new head coach, plans to emphasize a strong ground game, but Swift’s inconsistency in gaining tough yards between the tackles raises concerns. While Swift excels in open space, Johnson may prefer a more physical, between-the-tackles runner.
Swift is unlikely to be cut due to his $8.7 million dead cap hit, but the Bears could reduce his role. If Johnson finds a back who better fits his vision, he might limit Swift to a rotational role or phase him out after 2026, when his dead cap hit drops to $1.3 million.
Also Read: 10 NFL Franchises That Would Have Been Nothing Without One Player
Addressing the running back position in free agency won’t be easy. The 2025 market lacks elite options. Aaron Jones is the top name available, but he’s not a logical fit for the Chicago Bears. Other available backs- Javonte Williams, Nick Chubb, Jeff Wilson, and A.J. Dillon- either have injury concerns or cannot be true lead-backs.
One intriguing option is Najee Harris. The soon-to-be former Pittsburgh Steeler has consistently produced despite sharing a backfield with Jaylen Warren. Harris has topped 1,000 yards in each of his four NFL seasons and has a solid 77.2% catch rate. More importantly, he has thrived in a shared workload, which the Bears could leverage alongside Swift if they keep him....
