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As the NFL offseason begins to take shape, the spotlight is often on teams making moves to improve their roster for the upcoming season. For the Chicago Bears, one of the most pressing areas of focus is how they will continue to build their roster after a major overhaul in recent years. Recently, during the NFL Scouting Combine, one of the more intriguing comments came from Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, which has sparked some speculation about a potential move for running back D’Andre Swift — and possibly his future with the Chicago Bears.

In a league where running backs are often seen as expendable assets, Swift’s future with the Lions seemed uncertain heading into the offseason. His potential availability made him an intriguing option for a Bears team that could use a dynamic playmaker in the backfield. However, Johnson’s comments at the Combine have added an interesting twist to the narrative, leaving some to believe that Swift may not only have a future with the Bears but could become a central piece of their offense moving forward.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the comments made by Ben Johnson, how they relate to D’Andre Swift’s future, and what it could mean for the Chicago Bears and their plans for the 2025 season.

### D’Andre Swift’s Time with the Detroit Lions

D’Andre Swift, drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, had high expectations heading into his rookie season. The former University of Georgia standout was known for his dual-threat abilities, showcasing impressive skills as both a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield. However, injuries and inconsistency have somewhat hindered his development in Detroit.

Despite flashes of brilliance, including a couple of standout performances during his first few seasons, Swift’s career in Detroit has been marred by injury issues. Whether it’s dealing with soft-tissue injuries or lingering ailments, Swift has often been limited in his ability to stay on the field for a full 16-game season. Nonetheless, when healthy, Swift has shown that he can be a dynamic playmaker, with the ability to change the course of a game in the blink of an eye.

In 2022, Swift recorded over 1,000 total yards from scrimmage and had five touchdowns despite playing in just 14 games. While his production was solid, the Lions’ coaching staff seemed unsure of how to best utilize him in their offense, and that uncertainty led to questions about his role within the team’s future plans.

The Lions’ backfield now has a bit more depth with the addition of rookie Jahmyr Gibbs in the 2023 draft and the continued development of backfield mates like David Montgomery. As a result, Swift’s position with the team seemed uncertain as the 2025 season approached, especially considering his injury history and the team’s shift toward a more balanced, multi-back approach. All of this created the possibility that Swift could be on the trade block, or even hit free agency, making him an intriguing target for other teams.

### Ben Johnson’s Comments at the NFL Combine

Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, made headlines during his appearance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. In a discussion about the Lions’ plans for the offseason and their approach to the upcoming season, Johnson made an offhand comment that caught the attention of many in attendance, as well as those following the Combine remotely.

When asked about D’Andre Swift’s potential future with the Lions, Johnson responded with surprising praise, acknowledging Swift’s ability to contribute when healthy but also emphasizing the importance of consistency for the running back position.

“Swift is a guy who, when he’s on the field, can make a lot of plays for us,” Johnson said. “He’s one of those rare athletes who can change a game with one touch. But we need him on the field. It’s all about availability for us, and right now, we need to see if he can stay healthy and be consistent. He’s a huge talent, and we love what he brings, but the health thing is something we’re going to have to work through.”

While Johnson’s comments seemed to reflect the reality of Swift’s situation — that he has the talent to be a difference-maker, but injuries have been a significant factor in his development — they also sparked renewed speculation about Swift’s future with the Lions. Johnson was careful not to close the door on Swift entirely, but his acknowledgment of the health issues suggests that the Lions could be open to parting ways with the running back if they don’t see significant improvement in that area.

For teams like the Chicago Bears, who have made it clear they want to add talent to their offense, the possibility of acquiring a player like Swift becomes even more appealing. With a potential change on the horizon for Swift, the Bears might be in a position to make a move, especially if Swift becomes available through trade or free agency.

### The Chicago Bears’ Needs at Running Back

The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 offseason with a solid core of young talent, including quarterback Justin Fields, who continues to develop into a rising star. Fields’ dynamic ability as a runner has made him a dangerous offensive weapon, but the Bears are still in need of a true game-changing running back to complement his skill set and provide balance to the offense.

While the Bears’ backfield has some solid options in players like Khalil Herbert and rookie Roschon Johnson, there is no question that adding a player like D’Andre Swift could elevate the offense to another level. Swift’s dual-threat ability as both a runner and a receiver could make him a perfect fit for an offense that has relied heavily on the running game and mobile quarterback play. With Fields taking on more responsibility as the team’s centerpiece, having a reliable and explosive back like Swift would help take some of the pressure off the young quarterback, allowing him to play to his strengths without needing to carry the entire load.

Swift’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield would also be a huge asset in the modern NFL, as more and more teams look to incorporate running backs as key components in the passing game. The Bears have made strides in recent seasons to improve their offensive playmaking options, but adding a versatile back like Swift could be the missing piece to fully unlock their offensive potential.

### Could the Bears Take a Swing at D’Andre Swift?

With Ben Johnson’s comments at the NFL Combine and the uncertainty surrounding Swift’s future in Detroit, the Chicago Bears could very well be in a position to make a move. While the Lions may not be actively shopping Swift, his availability, coupled with the Bears’ desire to upgrade their offensive weaponry, could make for an ideal match.

If Swift is made available, the Bears have the cap space and assets to make a competitive offer. Additionally, given that Swift has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, the Bears could potentially acquire him at a more affordable price than they would for other top-tier running backs. While there is still some risk in acquiring a player with Swift’s injury history, his talent and fit in the Bears’ offensive scheme could make it worthwhile.

For Swift, a change of scenery to a team like the Bears could be exactly what he needs. The pressure in Chicago may be less intense than in Detroit, and the opportunity to play alongside a mobile quarterback like Fields could help him stay healthy and make the most of his skills. A move to Chicago could offer a fresh start for Swift and a chance to revive his career, making it an intriguing possibility for both him and the Bears.

### Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for D’Andre Swift and the Chicago Bears?

As the 2025 NFL offseason continues, D’Andre Swift’s future remains in flux. Ben Johnson’s comments at the NFL Combine have only added fuel to the fire of speculation regarding Swift’s role with the Detroit Lions, and teams like the Chicago Bears are now monitoring the situation closely.

If Swift becomes available, the Bears could certainly explore the option of adding him to their roster, especially given their need for a dynamic playmaker in the backfield. Swift’s dual-threat abilities and explosive potential make him a tantalizing prospect for any team looking to take their offense to the next level.

As it stands, Swift’s future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Bears will likely be keeping a close eye on the situation, and if the opportunity arises, they may just decide that D’Andre Swift is the missing piece they need to complement their young quarterback and build a more dangerous offensive attack for 2025 and beyond.