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D'Andre Swift Pushes to Stay as Bears Weigh Cap-Driven Decision on His 2026 Status

A March 15 roster-bonus deadline places time pressure on a cap-strapped front office.

Overview

  • Swift said he hopes to return and does not want to play elsewhere, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
  • He delivered career highs in 2025 with 1,087 rushing yards and nine touchdowns at 4.9 yards per carry under Ben Johnson, crediting the scheme for his surge.
  • He enters the final year of his deal with no guaranteed money and an $8.8 million cap charge, and a release would free roughly $7 million.
  • Chicago is estimated about $5 million over the 2026 salary cap, increasing urgency around a $500,000 roster bonus due on March 15.
  • Rookie Kyle Monangai produced 783 rushing yards on 169 carries last season, offering a lower-cost in-house option who could handle more work.