For weeks, Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson has been enthusiastic about the potential for running back D’Andre Swift this season, praising his performance throughout training camp and emphasizing late last month his belief that Swift is “primed for a big year.”On Friday, the Bears doubled down on their belief in Swift, reaching agreement on a three-year contract extension worth up to $33.75 million, Swift’s agency, Athletes First, announced. Swift was set to enter free agency next offseason, but this deal will run through the 2029 season.Swift rushed for a career-high 1,087 yards with nine touchdowns last season and added 299 receiving yards and another score. He has found himself becoming increasingly comfortable within Johnson’s rushing attack and told The Athletic at the end of training camp that he was hopeful to stick with his head coach well into the future.“I love Ben,” Swift said. “I’ve got nothing but great things to say about him. He’s been great for me in my career.”What we're watching from Caleb Williams in 2026Kevin Fishbain and Dan WiedererThat affection has been reciprocated with Johnson appreciative of how hard Swift works and how devoted he has been to learning exactly what’s expected of him within the system. Johnson credited new Bears running backs coach Eric Studesville for his continued work with Swift in helping the veteran back “know the intent of where we’re trying to hit things” on the ground.“This is the best I’ve seen him this time of year,” Johnson said. “He bounces it when we’re supposed to bounce it. He hits it right on the spot when it’s there and then he cuts it up. I think he’s doing a really good job right now. We just have to get him to that first week nice and healthy and ready to go.”That first week has arrived with the Bears opening their season Sunday in Charlotte against the Carolina Panthers. Swift is healthy and ready to go. And now he has the security of a contract extension as another momentum boost.Last week, Swift seemed unfazed by his contract situation.“If it was up to me, I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” he said. “I do want to be here. I love the guys I work with, love the people I work with, the coaches and everybody upstairs. This is a five-star organization. So I’m not about to sugarcoat it. I let that be known. I do want to be here.”That wish has now been granted.