(670 The Score) The likes of Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs were available in free agency last March as the Bears pursued a running back. They went a different route instead.
The Bears struck quickly on a three-year, $24-million deal with running back D’Andre Swift. The union didn’t lead to the type of production the Bears envisioned, and it now leaves questions heading into the 2025 offseason.
Swift rushed for 959 yards, 3.8 yards per carry and six touchdowns over 17 games in 2024. There's some wonder as to whether Swift will remain on the Bears’ roster moving forward. At the least, Chicago will likely look to add another running back this offseason.
Editor's note: This is the latest installment of our Bears offseason outlook series. Click here to read the breakdown on the quarterback position.
Who’s back: D’Andre Swift (26), Roschon Johnson (24), Ian Wheeler (23)
Free agents: Travis Homer (26), Darrynton Evans (26)
Since taking office at Halas Hall nearly three weeks ago, new Bears head coach Ben Johnson has got to work evaluating his football team. A key part of his assessment of the offense will be the stagnant running game.
The Bears ranked 25th in the NFL in rushing yards per game last season after being second in 2023 and first in 2022. The running game regression was a disappointing part of Chicago’s collective struggles on offense.
Swift didn't live up to his billing in the first season of his three-year deal. The success of Barkley in Philadelphia, Henry in Baltimore and Jacobs in Green Bay only underscored the disappointment in Swift’s season. However, the Bears struggled on the ground in large part due to blocking scheme issues.
Johnson’s task now is to evaluate the Bears’ running game and determine whether Swift is the caliber and style of back that he covets – or if a change is necessary at the position. Johnson was the Lions' offensive coordinator when Detroit traded Swift to Philadelphia in April 2023. In a part-time role in Detroit in 2022, Swift rushed for 542 yards and 5.5 yards per carry with Johnson calling the plays.
Even if the Bears aren’t fully committed to Swift as their lead running back, he could play a complementary role in the backfield. The Lions’ prolific offense featured Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery sharing the workload as Detroit had the NFL’s sixth-best ground attack in 2024.
The Bears also have Johnson under contract entering his third NFL season. A fourth-round pick in 2023, Johnson hasn’t developed as hoped. He has rushed for just 502 yards and 3.7 yards per carry in 29 career NFL games, limited in part due to concussions.
Johnson has been an effective short-yardage rusher for Chicago and has eight career touchdowns runs, with each coming from within two yards of the end zone. He has also played a role on special teams.
Homer and Evans have each served in depth and special teams roles for the Bears, and both are set to become free agents this offseason.
What’s next?
The Bears’ decision at running back this offseason will be a strong indicator of Johnson’s vision for the roster. How that takes shape isn't clear yet.
Swift seems likely to return, though perhaps in a platoon role. The class of running backs in free agency this year isn’t nearly as strong as it was in 2024, though Javonte Williams (Broncos) or Najee Harris (Steelers) could potentially be fits for the Bears.
The Bears could also explore the possibility of drafting Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty, who rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024. However, that doesn't seem to be a likely outcome given Chicago’s glaring needs elsewhere on its roster.
What seems certain for the Bears’ running game is that an overhaul of the offensive line is coming. The unit may feature three or even four new starters when the 2025 regular season opens, with only right tackle Darnell Wright seeming to be a lock to start once again.
As the Bears look to rebuild their rushing attack, they'll do so under the guidance of new running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, the former Chiefs and Commanders offensive coordinator who has joined Johnson's staff. Bieniemy is known to be demanding of his players.
Prediction: The Bears’ leading rusher for 2025 isn’t presently on the roster.
Under Johnson's new influence, the Bears will seek a change at running back.
Swift will remain on the Bears’ roster and play a regular role out of the backfield, but he'll be a complement alongside a new running back.
Whom the Bears will covet isn't clear just yet, but they'll have options in free agency and the NFL Draft.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.