{"id":720636,"date":"2026-02-01T04:05:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-01T04:05:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/720636\/"},"modified":"2026-02-01T04:05:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-01T04:05:17","slug":"two-chicago-bears-players-named-on-the-hot-seat-for-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/720636\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Chicago Bears players named ‘on the hot seat’ for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Bears<\/a> took major strides in 2025 compared to where they were in 2024. After finishing 5-12 and in last place in the NFC North just a year ago, they went 11-6 this season and won the division. New head coach Ben Johnson<\/a>, indeed, had a great deal to do with the turnaround, and the culture he has brought to Chicago is infectious throughout the locker room.<\/p>\n

But what is most promising for the Bears is that their young talent blossomed in 2025 and was also a massive reason for the team\u2019s success.<\/p>\n

That does mean, though, that some long-time (and expensive) veterans may be expendable going forward.<\/p>\n

PFF names Chicago Bears veterans DJ Moore and D\u2019Andre Swift as on the hot seat
\n\"DJOct 13, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) escapes the tackle of Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Two of the veterans that saw younger players take a bigger role in the offense were wide receiver DJ Moore and running back D\u2019Andre Swift.<\/p>\n

PFF<\/a> seems to believe that, if either or both of these players don\u2019t outproduce younger players in 2026, they could be gone.<\/p>\n

On Moore:<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch like Pittman, Moore, 28, produced the lowest YPRR average (1.24) and PFF offense grade (68.7 PFF offense grade) among his eight NFL seasons and is surrounded by ascending, young talent. Moore is under contract\u00a0through 2028 and is unlikely to be cut until 2027, should Chicago choose to do so. He finished as the WR30.<\/p>\n

\u201cChicago\u2019s remaining 11 personnel starting pass catchers are all 23 or younger. As detailed above, age is critical in high-end season-long receiving outcomes.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoore will likely operate as Chicago\u2019s No. 4 pass catcher at best next season.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fact of the matter is that $20+ million is way too much to pay a number-four pass catching option. If Moore cannot improve in 2026, he will likely not be back in 2027.<\/p>\n

On Swift:<\/p>\n

\u201cSwift, 27, admittedly assuaged these very same concerns from last offseason. Chicago\u2019s seventh-round rookie, running back Kyle Monangai, 23, is already performing at a near-equivalent level despite Swift\u2019s five-year edge in experience. Swift earned an 83.4 PFF offense grade and finished as the RB15 this season. Monangai earned a 67.3 PFF offense grade and finished as the RB29.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring Chicago\u2019s postseason play, Swift outsnapped Monangai in the green zone eight-to-seven, while totaling five rushing attempts to Monangai\u2019s three rushing attempts and one target.<\/p>\n

\u201cSwift can maintain the primary passing down role with superior pass-protection play, but Monangai has a chance to take over as the team\u2019s primary rusher and primary player in scoring position next season.\u201d<\/p>\n

PFF seems to think that Swift is safer than Moore. However, the fact remains that Swift is entering the final year of his contract in 2026 and, if Monangai continues to produce in a limited role, the Bears will let Swift walk in free agency.<\/p>\n

For More Chicago Sports<\/p>\n

Follow me on Twitter at\u00a0@theotherRobin19<\/a>,\u00a0and follow us\u00a0@ChiCitySports23<\/a>. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at\u00a0[email\u00a0protected]<\/a>. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports,\u00a0click here!<\/a>\u00a0Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

\"This<\/p>\n

This player is considered to be the Chicago Bears\u2019 worst 2025 free agent signing
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