The Chicago Bears have agreed to a three-year, £26.75 million ($33.75 million) contract extension with running back D’Andre Swift. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday, includes a substantial £21.8 million ($27.5 million) in guaranteed money, securing Swift’s future with the team.
This extension means Swift’s 2026 season will not be a contract year, as his services are now secured through his age-30 season in 2029. The agreement provides Swift with a raise of more than £2.3 million ($3 million) in average annual salary, reflecting his consistent production since joining the Bears.
Contract Details and Financial Impact
The new contract significantly increases Swift’s earnings, bumping his average annual salary from £6.3 million ($8 million) to just over £8.7 million ($11 million) per year. This places him as the 14th highest-paid running back in the National Football League (NFL), according to Heavy.com. Bears General Manager Ryan Poles moved to finalise the deal before the 2026 season begins, ensuring the team’s top back is secured at a rate that fits his output and aligns with the team’s salary cap management.
Swift’s continued presence is seen as beneficial for the Bears, especially given his role as one half of a dynamic running back tandem with Kyle Monangai. The financial terms underline the Bears’ commitment to maintaining a robust offensive backfield.
Swift’s Career Trajectory
D’Andre Swift began his NFL career in 2020 as a second-round pick by the Detroit Lions out of Georgia. After three seasons with the Lions, where he accumulated 364 carries for 1,680 scrimmage yards across three seasons, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. With the Eagles, Swift enjoyed a career-best year, achieving 1,263 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns.
In 2024, Swift signed a three-year, £19 million ($24 million) deal with the Chicago Bears. Since then, he has proven himself to be a reliably productive player, averaging 1,365.5 scrimmage yards in his first two seasons with the team. In his initial year with the Bears, he rushed for 959 yards, followed by a career-high 1,087 yards on 223 carries in his second season. This consistent performance has led to the recent extension, reflecting his strong impact on the Bears’ offense.
For more on significant sporting news, readers might be interested in updates like Al-Ittihad vs Al-Faisaly: En-Nesyri Returns, Wijnaldum, or for wider UK news, a look at cultural impact such as Meera Syal Memoir Reveals Early Career Assaults, Activism.
What This Means for the Bears and Lions
For the Chicago Bears, the extension solidifies their backfield with a key offensive weapon through 2029. General Manager Ryan Poles’ proactive move ensures stability and continued production at the running back position. The team is set to kick off their 2026 journey against the Panthers with this financial matter resolved, according to NFL.com.
From the Detroit Lions’ perspective, the deal means they will continue to face their former second-round pick twice a season, now with a division rival. Adding to this dynamic, Ben Johnson, who was Swift’s play caller during his career-best year with the Eagles, is now with the Bears. This connection adds an interesting subplot to future matchups between the two NFC North teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What are the terms of D’Andre Swift’s new contract with the Chicago Bears?
- A: D’Andre Swift has signed a three-year extension worth $33.75 million with the Chicago Bears.
- Q: How much guaranteed money is included in D’Andre Swift’s new deal?
- A: The new contract includes $27.5 million in guaranteed money.
- Q: What was D’Andre Swift’s performance like in his first two seasons with the Bears?
- A: In his first two seasons with the Bears, Swift averaged 1,365.5 scrimmage yards per year.
