The Chicago Bears are actively reshaping their offense, and the latest move underscores this transformation.
According to reports from NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Bears have reached an agreement with running back D’Andre Swift on a lucrative three-year, $24 million contract.
Swift, aged 25, is coming off a standout season with the Eagles, where he achieved a career-high in rushing yards, totaling 1,049 yards. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by catching 39 passes for 214 yards and scoring one touchdown, which earned him his first Pro Bowl selection during his inaugural season with Philadelphia.
Notably, the Lions had traded Swift to the Eagles during Draft Weekend last April, marking a significant shift for the running back. Now, Swift will return to the NFC North after spending his first three seasons in Detroit, where he amassed impressive numbers of 1,680 rush yards and 18 touchdowns, along with 156 receptions for 1,198 yards and seven more touchdowns in 40 games.
Last season marked Swift’s first as a full-time starter, during which he started 15 of the 16 games with the Eagles, showcasing his potential. Although his performance tapered off slightly towards the end of the season, with a notable dip in rushing yards until Week 15, Swift’s overall impact on the field remained significant.
The Bears, who ranked second in the NFL in rush yards per game last season, are seeking to bolster their backfield further. Despite impressive contributions from quarterbacks Justin Fields and Tyson Bagent, the team aims to enhance its ground game. With D’Onta Foreman, who amassed 425 rushing yards last season, entering free agency, the addition of Swift presents an opportunity for an upgrade.
The combination of Swift and Roschon Johnson could provide the Bears with a dynamic inside-outside tandem. Johnson, a fourth-round pick for the Bears in 2023, showcased promise during his rookie season with 352 rushing yards and 34 receptions for 209 yards.
As the Bears continue to make changes on the offensive front, securing Swift’s signing addresses a crucial need and sets a promising tone for their offseason agenda.
