The Chicago Bears needed help at the running back position. Rumours connected them to running backs all offseason and now the team has signed their main target – D’Andre Swift. The contract is a three-year deal worth $24.5 million, with $15.3 million guaranteed.
This will surprise some as the Bears were expected to be in on top running backs, including Saquon Barkley. The price was likely too steep for their taste, causing them to pivot. It’s been widely documented over the last several seasons that the running back position hasn’t been well-paid by teams. With top backs pushing back and demanding high wages, teams focus on lesser options who can still do the job. Swift gets an annual value of about $8 million, nothing too crazy. This is a solid deal for both the team and the player.
Swift spent the first three years of his career in Detroit but failed to break out due to the Lions’ usage of him. A lot changed on the 2023 draft night, as the Lions sent him to Philadelphia, a much better fit. Swift enjoyed career highs in rushing attempts and rushing yards while adding his first Pro Bowl appearance. The Bears added him after Detroit diminished his value, but he’s still shown his abilities to be a high-level back in Philadelphia. This has the potential to be a steal.
What Now For Chicago?
The Bears were not a playoff team in 2023, but are looking to change that with one offseason. The team has a solid defence and is expected to take Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. They need to solidify the rest of their offence and have plenty of cap space to do it.
Swift allows them not to take a big swing at running back, while still providing tremendous value. The team won’t ask too much of him and he’ll give them a solid run game to complement what they hope will be a prolific pass attack.
Look for Chicago to make a push for a wide receiver or offensive line next and continue to build up the team. With a couple more deals in free agency, this could be a very quick turnaround for the team, and a playoff push could certainly be in the cards for next season.
