'Weapon back' D'Andre Swift is another threat for Bears' deep offensive core

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — In this transformational offseason at Halas Hall, there has been a great focus on Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, his talented trio at wide receiver and the significant hopes for the passing game.

But the Bears will still feature an offense that relies heavily on the rushing attack, which is now led by veteran running back D’Andre Swift. After signing a lucrative three-year, $24-million deal in free agency, Swift is the top threat out of Chicago's backfield and a key figure for the offense. And in the Bears' mind, the dynamic Swift is the ideal complement for Williams and the passing game.

“It’s going to be balanced,” Swift said of the Bears’ offense. “We got a lot of playmakers on our side, a lot of playmakers in the running back room, first and foremost. So, I feel like we got a lot of stuff in this offense to get out playmakers the ball.

“It’s a complete offense, but it’s going to take work. It’s a new offense. We’re all new here – coaching staff is new, rookie quarterback. So, it’s going to be a learning experience for everybody. But I’m confident in the group that we have.”

The Bears’ search for their lead running back didn’t last long this offseason. With running backs like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Austin Ekeler among those available in free agency, the Bears reached a deal with Swift just minutes into the open negotiation period – before any other running back had agreed to sign elsewhere.

Swift was the Bears’ top choice after he rushed for a career-best 1,049 yards and five touchdowns with the Eagles last season. He’s also a versatile back who can play a role in the passing game, having hauled in 195 receptions and eight receiving touchdowns over four NFL seasons.

“He’s very quick,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said of Swift. “He’s a weapon out of the backfield, which is outstanding for our passing game, and it’s going to create some mismatches for us. He can do a lot of things from the backfield. He can split them out wide and run the full route tree. He’s exciting to watch.

“Just a weapon back. We really needed that guy that can really operate on third down and even on first and second down to be a weapon in the deep part of the field and the short part of the field and be able to take it the distance. He’s got a lot of gas.”

Swift, who turned 25 in January, was a second-round pick of the Lions in 2020. He played three seasons in Detroit before being traded to Philadelphia in April 2023.

Swift primarily worked as part of a shared backfield with the Lions before showcasing his full potential with the Eagles in 2023. With the Bears, Swift is expected to get the primary share of the carries, with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson also in the mix behind him.

As the Bears form their offensive plans with the hope of becoming a productive unit, they plan to rely on their collective depth.

“There’s just a lot of opportunity out there,” Swift said. “That’s how I look at it. Not just for me, for everybody. For all the playmakers. For receivers, for backs There’s a lot of opportunities out there in this offense.”

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .