Chicago Bears quietly make a $33.75 million move that keeps one of their most important stars in Chicago

The Chicago Bears have made a significant commitment to D’Andre Swift, agreeing to a three-year, $33.75 million contract extension that keeps the running back under contract through the 2029 season. The deal includes $27.5 million guaranteed and comes just before Chicago opens its 2026 season against the Carolina Panthers. Swift was entering the final year of his previous contract, making his future one of the team’s bigger financial decisions heading into the season. Instead of waiting, the Bears chose to settle the issue now. That decision also gives head coach Ben Johnson another key piece to build around in the coming years.Why did the Bears give D’Andre Swift a $33.75 million extension?The timing says plenty about how Chicago views Swift. The 27-year-old is coming off the most productive rushing season of his career, with 1,087 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns in 2025. He also added 34 catches for 299 yards and another touchdown. His 1,386 yards from scrimmage marked another career high.That production gave the Bears a strong reason to act before Swift entered a contract year. He originally joined Chicago on a three-year, $24 million deal in 2024 after spending time with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. His first season in Chicago produced 1,345 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns, followed by an even better 2025 campaign.The new deal raises Swift’s average annual salary by more than $3 million compared with his previous contract, according to NFL.com. More importantly for Chicago, it removes the uncertainty surrounding its starting running back for several seasons.What does Swift’s new contract mean for the Bears?The move is about more than rewarding one strong season. Chicago is trying to build a stable offense around quarterback Caleb Williams, and Swift has become an important part of that plan.The Bears also have Kyle Monangai in the backfield, giving them a different type of running threat. That combination worked well last season as Chicago produced one of the NFL’s better rushing attacks. Swift’s ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gives Johnson another reliable option within his offense.There is still a financial calculation behind the decision. Swift will be under contract through age 30, and running back performance can become harder to predict as players get older. Yet Chicago clearly decided his recent production and fit within Johnson’s offense justified the investment.For the Bears, the timing may be the most revealing part. They did not wait for Swift to prove himself all over again in 2026. They saw enough already and chose to secure him before the season began.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.