LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Veteran running back D’Andre Swift sat down late on the morning of March 11 and prepared himself for a potentially unnerving wait. He didn’t want people around him and kept his phone close by.
An unrestricted free agent for the first time, Swift was wondering where his future in the NFL would take him. As it turns out, he didn’t have to wait long. Swift and the Bears struck a three-year deal worth up to $24 million shortly after the open negotiation window opened.
“It was a moment I’ll never forget,” Swift said.
In exploring a deep crop of running backs in free agency, the Bears didn’t hesitate to make their selection from the group. Accomplished rushers like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Derrick Henry were available, but general manager Ryan Poles made the first addition on the running back market.
Swift, 25, was the ideal fit for the Bears because of his production through four NFL seasons and also his youth. He’s just entering his prime.
Swift rushed for a career-best 1,049 yards and five scores with the Eagles in 2023, when he also replicated his career average of 4.6 yards per carry. Swift has also been a weapon as a pass catcher, hauling in 195 receptions and eight touchdowns in four seasons
"Playmaking ability, a team-first guy, great locker room guy, a guy that wants to win first and foremost,” Swift said. “That's what it's all about. A guy that's going to come in here and work every single day, same mentality every single day. I'm looking forward to winning and getting the most out of me, and the city and organization are going to get that."
The Bears wanted a proven, dynamic running back in part because of their quarterback transition. After trading quarterback Justin Fields to Pittsburgh on Saturday, Chicago is expected to select quarterback USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Bringing in a reliable rusher to lead the backfield can lessen the burden on a rookie quarterback's shoulders.
The Bears led the NFL in rushing in 2022, posting a franchise-record 3,014 yards on the ground while being led by their quarterback Fields, who rushed for 1,143 yards. After that season, starting running back David Montgomery left the Bears to sign with the rival Lions in free agency. At the time, the Lions' lead back was Swift, who was then traded to the Eagles during the 2023 NFL Draft.
In 2023, the Bears finished second in the NFL in rushing despite not having a single rusher reach the 700-yard mark. Fields led the team with 657 rushing yards, while Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson and D’Onta Foreman formed a tandem in the Bears’ backfield.
Swift is expected to lead the Bears' backfield in 2024 while Johnson is likely to serve as a complement. Entering his fourth season, Herbert may be the odd man out of the mix.
Even after signing a lucrative contract, Swift is ready to earn his place with the Bears.
“A lot of talent in the running back room,” Swift said. “However it plays out, I don't expect anything coming into it. I'm going to come here and work and earn whatever role that they have for me.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .
Local Chicago, IL
Most Popular
Comments / 0