Although Swift said he didn’t change his running style last season, it was clear something was different in the 2024 season, jumping from 3.8 yards per carry to 4.9 last year. An updated offensive line certainly helped, but Swift also said Johnson’s system opened up more big-play opportunities.
“First of all, Ben always believed in me as a player, so just him giving me a chance was great,” Swift said. “The more opportunities I’m given, the more I can make things happen.”
Then again, this happened once before with Johnson, in 2022. That’s when he became the Lions’ offensive lineman, helping Swift to a career-best 5.5 yards per carry. The following offseason, Swift was traded to the Eagles.
Swift would love to see his partnership with Kyle Monangai continue after the pair helped the Bears rank third in the NFL with 144.5 rushing yards per game. And if he stays, Swift would also like to be a bigger part of the passing game after finishing last season with career-low receiving numbers.
“I can do more,” he said. “I wish I could have contributed a little more in the passing game. We have so many passers on the field, so whenever it comes up I try to make something happen with it, but I know I could do more.”
Now we wait to see if the Bears and Johnson are interested in keeping Swift for more than a year this time.