Bears Playmaker Could Still Be Replaced Before Training Camp

The Chicago Bears have major expectations for themselves following a complete transformation this offseason. Gone are the laughable coaching staffs of the last handful of seasons, and in comes Ben Johnson, who helped turn the Detroit Lions around and now hopes to do the same here.

Strong running back play is one of the tenets of Johnson's offense, and his schemes created a two-headed monster with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Chicago hopes to create a similar dynamic, though it's unclear at this point whether the roster has the appropriate pieces to do so.

D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and rookie Kyle Monangai make up the top three options. While Swift is the incumbent starter, he's a pending free agent and could still be replaced by training camp following an underwhelming 2024 campaign.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift Could Still be Replaced Before Season

It's unlikely Swift loses his job in the next month, but there are reasons to believe that he could see a reduced role and quickly replaced if things go poorly. The 2020 second-round pick averaged just 3.8 yards per carry last year, and Ben Johnson has already greenlit getting rid of him once in Detroit.

Roschon Johnson didn't fare much better at 2.7 yards per carry, though he was primarily used as a goal-line back and didn't have the same opportunity. Monangai is the intriguing one to watch here. We've seen examples of late-round picks breaking out, from Alvin Kamara to Isiah Pacheco and more, and it sounds like the coaching staff is excited about what the former Rutgers star brings to the table.

There's also the curious case of general manager Ryan Poles ignoring Swift when discussing the position group. It feels clear that the organization doesn't view Swift as a long-term answer, which suggests Ben Johnson might let Roschon Johnson and Monangai get more touches to see if either snags the role.

If that's what happens, Swift could be out of a job before he knows it. He's only 26 years old and is coming off a 959-yard season, though actions speak louder than words, and this franchise doesn't seem to trust him.

We'll see what happens, but Swift needs a strong summer to hold onto his gig.