The Chicago Bears are poised for a franchise-altering offseason, with seismic decisions at running back, offensive coordinator, and cornerback setting the stage for a potential championship run in 2026. General Manager Ryan Poles faces a historic choice that could redefine the team’s offensive identity.
Sources indicate the Bears are seriously considering a stunning upgrade at running back. The potential move involves releasing 2025 standout D’Andre Swift to create cap space for a pursuit of Seattle Seahawks star Kenneth Walker III. Swift delivered a solid 1,087-yard season but carries a $7.5 million cap hit.
Walker, graded by Pro Football Focus as the NFL’s top running back with a 90.7 score, represents a younger, faster, and more explosive option. At 26, he forced 65 missed tackles this season and was instrumental in Seattle’s Super Bowl run. The financial mechanics make this a compelling possibility for the front office.
Releasing Swift would free approximately $7.5 million. A projected four-year deal for Walker at $8.4 million annually would add only about $1 million to the 2026 cap. This marginal increase for a premier talent at a premium position is considered a masterstroke in value calculation.
The schematic fit is undeniable. Walker’s excellence as a zone runner aligns perfectly with the system brought by Head Coach Ben Johnson from Detroit. Johnson, who witnessed Swift’s trade from the Lions firsthand, understands the transformative impact an elite back can have on his offense.
This potential shift follows a league-wide trend of tough roster decisions. The Packers moved on from Aaron Jones for Josh Jacobs, while the Vikings parted with Dalvin Cook. Chicago’s decision would signal a commitment to maximizing every dollar of cap space for championship-caliber talent.
In a massive vote of confidence for the franchise’s direction, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has withdrawn from consideration for the Philadelphia Eagles’ OC vacancy. Doyle will return to Chicago, ensuring critical continuity for quarterback Caleb Williams’ development.
Doyle’s decision to spurn a Super Bowl-bound Eagles offense featuring Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown speaks volumes. It indicates a firm belief in Williams’ trajectory and the offensive foundation being built at Halas Hall. This stability is invaluable for a young quarterback’s second-year leap.
His return also benefits emerging weapons like fan-favorite receiver Jai Walker, an undrafted player Doyle championed. With continuity, the entire offense—from DJ Moore to the line—can refine rather than relearn, accelerating growth and chemistry for 2026.
The Bears’ defensive story of the year reached a crescendo with cornerback Nsimba Wright’s selection to the Pro Bowl. Wright, a former Vikings practice squad player, led the entire NFL with eight takeaways in 2025, including five interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
Wright’s meteoric rise from obscurity to elite playmaker epitomizes the player development culture under Poles and Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen. His consistency was key to a historic November where the Bears won five games in a month for the first time since 1959.
His impact extended beyond coverage. Coaches highlighted his physicality against the run and ability to blow up screens, making him a complete defensive weapon. This breakout season now presents the front office with a crucial contract decision.
Wright is entering the final year of his deal. Extending him now could secure a cornerstone cornerback alongside Jaylon Johnson long-term, preventing a costly bidding war after 2026. A potential four-year, $50 million extension would solidify the secondary for years.
These three interconnected developments—a potential elite backfield swap, coordinator continuity, and a homegrown Pro Bowl corner—signal a franchise operating with a clear, aggressive vision. The decisions reflect a shift from annual patchwork to sustainable, championship-focused team building.
The Bears’ organization demonstrates a newfound ability to identify talent, develop players, and create an environment where coaches and players want to stay and succeed. This holistic approach marks a definitive end to the cycles of instability that have plagued the franchise for decades.
All eyes are now on Ryan Poles to execute this bold vision. The move for Kenneth Walker would be a defining statement of intent. Securing Nsimba Wright’s future would lock down a defensive pillar. Together with Doyle’s commitment, they form the blueprint for a 2026 contender.
Chicago stands on the precipice of a new era. The calculated aggression in personnel strategy, combined with steadfast coaching stability, has positioned the Bears not merely as hopefuls, but as architects of a legitimate championship pursuit. The offseason has just begun, but the foundation for history is already being poured.
