Ben Johnson’s remarks at the NFL Combine may cause D’Andre Swift to remain with the Chicago Bears.

Ben Johnson’s Remarks at the NFL Combine May Cause D’Andre Swift to Remain with the Chicago Bears

The NFL Combine is a critical event in the offseason for NFL teams, as it provides the first look at draft prospects and the opportunity to evaluate potential free-agent signings. But the Combine also serves as a forum for team executives, coaches, and general managers to discuss their philosophies, strategies, and long-term goals for the franchise. One particular set of remarks made by Ben Johnson, the newly appointed head coach of the Chicago Bears, has caused some serious buzz regarding the future of D’Andre Swift, the team’s talented running back.

Swift, who was traded to the Bears from the Detroit Lions prior to the 2023 season, has displayed flashes of brilliance, but his future with the team has been a subject of speculation. Amidst the intense scrutiny of roster decisions, Johnson’s comments at the Combine may have inadvertently tipped the scale in favor of Swift remaining with the Bears beyond this season. This article will break down Ben Johnson’s remarks, what they mean for Swift’s future, and the potential impact on the Bears’ running back room moving forward.

The Chicago Bears and D’Andre Swift’s Journey

When the Bears made the move to acquire D’Andre Swift, it was seen as an exciting step toward bolstering their offensive backfield. Swift, a former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, had shown flashes of brilliance during his time in Detroit, demonstrating a rare blend of speed, agility, and vision. However, his time with the Lions had been marred by injuries, inconsistent performances, and the team’s struggles to establish a consistent running game.

In 2023, when the Bears traded for Swift, they were hoping to unlock the potential that had been seen during his time in college at Georgia and flashes of brilliance with the Lions. Swift was added to a backfield that already had solid contributors like David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert, giving the Bears a dynamic group of running backs. The hope was that Swift could become a focal point of the offense, especially as Justin Fields continued to develop and the Bears looked to establish a more balanced attack.

However, Swift’s time with the Bears has been marked by inconsistency. While he has occasionally shown the explosive playmaking ability that made him such an enticing prospect, he has struggled to maintain health and deliver sustained production on a weekly basis. Through the first part of his tenure with Chicago, Swift’s contributions have been solid but not spectacular. This has led to questions about whether he would remain with the Bears long-term, or if the team might look for a more consistent, reliable option in the backfield.

The NFL Combine: A Crucial Stage for Roster Decisions

The NFL Combine is always one of the most pivotal events on the offseason calendar. For Ben Johnson, who took over as the Bears’ head coach in the 2023 season, the Combine serves as an opportunity to assess and evaluate talent, both in the draft and on the free-agent market. It’s also a moment for Johnson to solidify his vision for the team and provide insights into how he plans to shape the roster for the coming season.

While Johnson’s comments at the Combine typically focused on future draft prospects, one comment in particular about the running back position drew immediate attention. When asked about the future of D’Andre Swift, Johnson made an interesting remark that has led many to believe that Swift’s time in Chicago may not be as uncertain as it was initially thought to be. Johnson mentioned that Swift’s “versatility and potential as a playmaker” were critical components of the Bears’ offensive identity moving forward. He also referenced how Swift’s ability to contribute both in the running and passing game gave him a unique skill set that could be crucial for the team in the years to come.

For many, these remarks were seen as a signal that the Bears were leaning toward keeping Swift for the upcoming season and possibly beyond. The emphasis on Swift’s versatility—particularly his ability to impact both the ground game and the passing attack—seems to align well with the Bears’ offensive philosophy under Johnson. His comments made it clear that Swift still held significant value in the Bears’ plans and that they were optimistic about his ability to stay healthy and take on a bigger role in the offense.

Ben Johnson’s Approach to the Running Back Position

Ben Johnson’s philosophy on the running back position has been a topic of much interest since he took over as the Bears’ head coach. In his introductory press conferences and in his discussions at the Combine, Johnson made it clear that he values running backs who can do it all—both in between the tackles and as receiving threats out of the backfield.

Johnson’s offensive approach is one that is focused on versatility and flexibility. He is keen on maximizing the abilities of his skill players, ensuring that his running backs can contribute in a variety of ways. This aligns perfectly with D’Andre Swift’s skill set, as he has been used in a variety of roles during his career, including as a feature back, as well as a weapon in the passing game.

What Johnson wants in his running backs is more than just someone who can pick up yards on the ground; he wants a multifaceted player who can serve as a safety valve for the quarterback, take pressure off the passing game, and help maintain a balanced offensive attack. This style of offense would perfectly suit Swift’s strengths, as he has proven to be a threat both as a runner and as a receiver, capable of lining up in the backfield or split out wide as a receiving option.

Swift’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a particularly attractive option for the Bears. With Fields’ development as a quarterback still in progress, having a running back who can be utilized in the short-to-intermediate passing game gives the offense a valuable safety net. Johnson seems to recognize this, and his comments at the Combine underscore the Bears’ belief that Swift could play an important role in the team’s offensive growth.

D’Andre Swift’s Versatility and Potential

While injuries have prevented Swift from consistently reaching the heights many expected when he entered the NFL, his versatility remains one of his greatest assets. Swift has been used in a variety of ways during his time with the Detroit Lions, whether it be as a feature back, a change-of-pace option, or as a receiver out of the backfield. When healthy, Swift has been a dynamic playmaker, capable of breaking off big runs or catching passes in space for significant yardage.

Under Ben Johnson, Swift’s skill set could be maximized in ways that might not have been fully realized in Detroit. The Bears’ offensive scheme could provide Swift with opportunities to get more involved in the passing game, something that would play to his strengths. Given the Bears’ need to add more explosive plays to their offense, Swift could emerge as a crucial weapon in the passing attack, especially in the screen game and in mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs.

Moreover, Swift’s ability to run between the tackles and break through arm tackles makes him a threat in short-yardage and goal-line situations as well. Although the Bears will likely still lean on David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert for the bulk of their rushing workload, Swift’s role as a complementary back could allow him to thrive in specific situations. His skill set gives the Bears the flexibility to deploy him in multiple ways, and Ben Johnson clearly sees that potential.

What Ben Johnson’s Remarks Mean for Swift’s Future with the Bears

Johnson’s remarks at the NFL Combine have significant implications for D’Andre Swift’s future with the Bears. While the comments were not definitive, they certainly suggest that the Bears view Swift as a key contributor moving forward. The emphasis on his versatility and his ability to impact both the running and passing games signals that Swift remains an important part of the team’s plans.

The Bears are likely to continue to evaluate all options in the offseason, including exploring potential additions to the running back room through free agency or the draft. However, based on Johnson’s remarks, it seems that Swift will be given the opportunity to remain with the Bears and potentially take on a larger role in the offense.

If Swift can stay healthy and prove that he can be a reliable, consistent presence in both the running and passing game, he could very well secure his spot as a key contributor in the Bears’ backfield. Johnson’s focus on versatility and playmaking suggests that Swift’s skill set fits well within the broader vision for the offense, making it more likely that he will continue to be a part of the Bears’ plans for the 2023 season and beyond.

The Impact on the Bears’ Offseason Strategy

The Bears’ interest in keeping Swift could affect their overall offseason strategy. If they are committed to building around Swift and utilizing his talents, they may choose to focus their resources elsewhere, such as upgrading the offensive line, adding more weapons in the passing game, or addressing other positions of need through the draft or free agency. The Bears could also look for another running back who complements Swift’s skill set, providing them with a one-two punch in the backfield.

Given the Bears’ relatively strong cap space and the need to continue adding talent around Justin Fields, their focus will likely remain on improving the overall team while still utilizing Swift in a way that maximizes his potential. Swift’s future with the Bears could be directly tied to how he performs in the coming season and whether he can stay healthy, but Johnson’s recent remarks indicate that the team is willing to give him the opportunity to showcase what he can do.