Was It a Mistake for Ryan Poles to Bring D’Andre Swift to Chicago on a 3-Year, $24 Million Deal? Bears Announce Decision to Cut Swift and Save Cap Space.
Chicago, IL – March 16, 2025 – In a surprising and bold move, the Chicago Bears have announced they are cutting running back D’Andre Swift from the roster, just one year into his three-year, $24 million contract. The decision to part ways with Swift marks a dramatic shift for the Bears under the leadership of general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson, and it raises questions about the future direction of the team’s roster and plans moving forward.
Swift, who was signed by the Bears in the previous offseason with high expectations, was anticipated to provide a dynamic boost to the team’s backfield. However, despite showing flashes of his potential, the former Detroit Lions running back struggled with consistency and was ultimately deemed “not part of the team’s plan” under head coach Ben Johnson’s evolving vision for the offense.
The Swift Experiment: High Hopes, Low Return
When Ryan Poles made the decision to sign Swift to a lucrative deal worth $24 million over three years, it was seen as a move to bolster the Bears’ running game and give quarterback Justin Fields a reliable weapon in the backfield. Swift had demonstrated strong abilities in Detroit, accumulating impressive yardage and touchdowns before his arrival in Chicago. However, his performance in 2024 failed to live up.
Swift rushed for just 715 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2024, and while his pass-catching ability showed promise at times, he never quite fit into the Bears’ offensive scheme. Injuries and missed games further hampered his impact on the field, leading to questions about the wisdom of the investment made by Poles and whether Swift was the right fit for the team’s future.
Cap Space and Moving Forward
The decision to release Swift will save the Bears valuable cap space, a crucial move for a team that is looking to build a competitive roster around their young quarterback. With the NFL salary cap being a constant factor in roster decisions, the Bears now have the flexibility to pursue other options at running back and focus on more strategic investments in other areas of need.
“D’Andre is a talented player, but as we move forward, our vision for the team and offense just doesn’t include him,” said Bears head coach Ben Johnson in a statement. “We have a clear plan for how we want to build this team, and it’s important for us to make moves that align with that direction. We wish D’Andre all the best, but it’s time for us to move on.”
The decision to cut Swift is also a statement on the Bears’ long-term strategy. With Johnson now in his second season as head coach, the team is committed to building a balanced offense that maximizes Justin Fields’ dual-threat abilities. The Bears’ front office, led by Poles, appears to be focused on creating flexibility in both the roster and salary cap to continue improving the team’s depth in critical areas, particularly along the offensive line and at wide receiver.
The Bears now look ahead to a potential change in the running back room, with Poles expected to target a replacement who fits better with the team’s future goals. The move also suggests that Chicago may be looking to bolster the backfield through the NFL Draft, where a talented pool of running backs could be available.
Additionally, Poles’ decision to cut Swift sends a strong message about the direction the Bears are taking. The focus appears to be shifting toward more long-term planning, utilizing their financial resources efficiently, and ensuring that every player on the roster aligns with the team’s strategic goals under Ben Johnson’s system.
While the departure of Swift may raise questions about Poles’ previous decision, it could ultimately serve as a valuable lesson in the importance of adaptability and course correction in professional sports. For now, the Chicago Bears turn the page and look forward to building a roster that can truly contend in the coming seasons.
As for D’Andre Swift, his future remains uncertain. Whether he will find a new home with another team or face a significant rebuilding phase of his career, the next chapter is sure to bring more questions for the talented running back. Meanwhile, the Bears march forward with a renewed sense of purpose, seeking to transform their roster into a competitive powerhouse in the NFC North.
