CHIEFS’ SEARCH FOR A RUNNING BACK: How D’Andre Swift Could Be a Stopgap Solution If KC Misses Out on Jeremiyah Love

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing an undeniable dilemma as they look to strengthen their roster for the next season. Despite having Patrick Mahomes and a high-powered offense, it’s clear the Chiefs have a critical need to upgrade the running back position. And as the offseason begins, one trade target is quickly rising to the top of their list: D’Andre Swift, the star running back for the Chicago Bears.

The Chiefs’ Running Back Dilemma: Can They Afford the Big Names?

Among the worst-kept secrets in the NFL this season and heading into the next is just how badly Kansas City needs to upgrade its backfield. The Chiefs offense has thrived under Mahomes’ arm, but the running game has been a weak link. The Chiefs’ current backfield—led by Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt—hasn’t provided the kind of balance needed to push the team over the top, especially when playoff time comes around.

With key players like Breece Hall and Travis Etienne Jr. potentially becoming free agents, Kansas City will undoubtedly explore several options. In fact, the Chiefs were in discussions to acquire Hall at the mid-season trade deadline, but those talks fell apart when the team couldn’t agree on a price—namely whether to send a third-round or fourth-round pick in exchange. Hall, who finished as the 7th-ranked running back in the league in 2025 according to Pro Football Focus’s advanced metrics, is exactly the kind of dynamic player the Chiefs need. However, despite his immense talent, Kansas City ultimately decided not to make the move.

Given their current $62.4 million salary cap deficit heading into 2026, it’s hard to see the Chiefs committing to a $41.6 million contract extension for Hall, especially when they have other urgent needs, such as bolstering the defensive line, offensive line, secondary, and pass-catching corps. The Chiefs’ decision not to go all in for Hall is a clear indicator of how they view the running back position—and it suggests they may be looking for a more cost-effective solution.

Is There Another Way? The Potential Trade for D’Andre Swift

With Hall off the table, the Chiefs may turn their attention to D’Andre Swift, the Chicago Bears running back who’s coming off the best season of his career. Swift has the speed, vision, and playmaking ability that could immediately complement Mahomes’ offense. He finished the season with 1,087 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, and a 4.9 yards-per-carry average—his best since his rookie year with the Philadelphia Eagles. Swift also contributed 34 catches for 299 receiving yards, adding versatility as both a rusher and a pass-catcher.

Swift is entering the final year of a three-year contract worth $24 million and will be a free agent after the 2026 season. However, despite his impressive performance, there are strong indications that Bears head coach Ben Johnson and the front office might be looking to move on from Swift. There are a few reasons why:

1. Cap Space: Trading or cutting Swift would free up $7.5 million in cap space for the Bears, and the team could reinvest that money into another running back or other roster improvements.

2. Team Fit: Swift’s style may not perfectly fit Johnson’s offensive scheme, and the Bears are reportedly interested in potential upgrades at the position. Analysts have even speculated that the Bears could target Travis Etienne or Breece Hall this offseason.

3. Injury Concerns: Swift has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career, which could give the Bears some pause about investing in him long term.

Despite these factors, the Chiefs would have to move quickly if they want to acquire Swift. Given that Swift’s $6.4 million base salary for the 2026 season is a manageable number for the Chiefs, he represents an immediate upgrade at the running back position. Swift’s production last season would significantly outperform Pacheco and Hunt, and he could provide the Chiefs with a reliable weapon to complement Mahomes in both the running and passing game.

Jeremiyah Love: The Chiefs’ Long-Term RB Solution?

While a Swift trade might offer an immediate fix, the Chiefs’ long-term solution might still lie in the 2026 NFL Draft. One player who stands out as the future of Kansas City’s backfield is Jeremiyah Love, the dynamic running back from Notre Dame. Love’s explosive running style and exceptional vision have made him one of the most sought-after prospects in this year’s draft class, and the Kansas City Chiefs are among the teams reportedly considering him.

However, draft analysts have increasingly predicted that the New Orleans Saints will select Love at No. 8, one pick before the Chiefs have the chance to grab him with their No. 9 selection. If that happens, the Chiefs may have to make a bold move to trade up and secure Love. While it’s unclear what that would cost, Love’s potential as a game-changing back could make the trade worth it.

What Happens If Love Is Gone?

If the Chiefs fail to land Jeremiyah Love in the draft, they could very well turn their attention to D’Andre Swift as a short-term, stopgap solution. Swift, who would be on the books for just one season, could fit in nicely with the Chiefs’ offense for the time being. And at just 27 years old, he still has plenty of time to be effective in the league, provided he can stay healthy.

Given the Chiefs’ limited cap space and the fact that they have more pressing needs on defense, a trade for Swift would be an affordable and sensible option. If Swift’s price is reasonable—possibly a fourth-round pick or less—it would give Kansas City the flexibility to focus on other areas in the draft while still improving their backfield.

Chiefs’ Best Path Forward: A Blend of Short-Term and Long-Term Thinking

Kansas City’s situation is tricky. While they may not be willing to make a long-term commitment to a high-priced running back like Hall, they are still in need of an impact player in the backfield to support Mahomes. A trade for Swift could fill that gap, allowing the Chiefs to focus their No. 9 draft pick on a more pressing need, such as a defensive or offensive lineman.

On the other hand, if the Chiefs do manage to land Jeremiyah Love in the draft, they would be securing a potential star running back for years to come. But regardless of whether they end up with Swift or Love, the Chiefs’ backfield will look vastly different next season, and that’s a good thing for a team looking to maintain its status as an NFL powerhouse.