It was only two years ago that the Lions shocked the league by selecting Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 draft, a move that precipitated Swift's exit from Detroit. At the time the Lions were unsatisfied with Swift's toughness as a runner, leading them to spend a high price on Gibbs even with Swift already under contract as a former 35th overall pick. The arrival of new coach Ben Johnson is particularly interesting as it pertains to Swift, then, because Johnson was Detroit's offensive coordinator during Swift's time with the Lions. Even if Johnson still finds Swift somewhat disappointing, the Bears have little choice but to start Swift in 2025 after they concluded the draft with just seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai added at running back. It remains to be seen how Johnson runs the Chicago offense now that he no longer has to report to Dan Campbell, but Johnson's offenses in Detroit featured robust rushing attacks. If the Bears establish a similarly active rushing attack then it could mean a career year for Swift, but he still needs to earn the starting role in a competition that figures to feature Monangai, Roschon Johnson and potentially a free agent pickup that has yet to occur.
