The Chicago Bears made a big investment in D'Andre Swift early in 2024 free agency, and he rewarded them last season by playing every game for the first time in his career. He of course also had career-highs in carries (253) and touches (295) last season, albeit while averaging a career-low 3.8 yards per carry.
When Ben Johnson was hired as the Bears head coach, that seemed to put Swift on the hot seat. Johnson was on the Detroit Lions' coaching staff during Swift's first three NFL seasons (2020-2022), with the last as the offensive coordinator. After that season, and after Lions head coach Dan Campbell practically threw in the towel, Swift was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Bears realized it last year, but Johnson already knows what trying to give Swift carry volume befitting a workhorse back looks like. And it's not good.
It wasn't for a lack of general effort or desire, in free agency and/or the draft, but the Bears did not make a notable addition at running back this offseason. There's a case for Roschon Johnson to see more work and seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai has potential, but Swift remains the No.1 back and he has made it clear he's preparing for the requisite workload.
D'Andre Swift makes appropriate list heading into 2025 training camp
If Ben Johnson doesn't see Swift as the ideal lead back for his offense, and it is 'if' even it's easy to assume that's the case, it's fair to say circumstances just didn't line to move him out of the role this offseason. So Swift, if only by default, will get a shot to change that narrative.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report has tabbed seven NFL stars who will be under the most pressure during 2025 training camp. Some may say calling Swift a "star" greatly loosens the definition of that term, but in any case he is appropriately on the list.
"D'Andre Swift should eat his Wheaties before he takes the field for training camp. He could be in line for a massive workload in head coach Ben Johnson's offense."
"As the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, Johnson operated a run-heavy system that featured two running backs; yet Jahmyr Gibbs played a significant role on the ground and in the passing game. With 237 catches for 1,798 yards and nine touchdowns (in his career), Swift can fill that versatile role."
"The 26-year-old isn't a stranger to Johnson's offense, having played under the offensive play-caller in 2022 before the Lions traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, in that year, he missed three games due to injury and served as the No. 2 ball-carrier behind Jamaal Williams."
Moton hit the nail on the head for how Swift can make the greatest impact in the Bears' offense. But training camp will be a testing ground for him as an effective workhorse back, not just a workhorse like he was last year.
"Johnson will put Swift to the test at training camp to see if he's equipped to handle the lead position. If the 2023 Pro Bowler misses time or fails to impress, the Bears could add a running back or expand Roschon Johnson's role."
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As is often the case with NFL contracts, and especially running back contracts, the Bears can easily move on from Swift after this season, two years into his three-year deal. So it's a big season for him, and it will naturally start right off the bat during training camp as he looks to prove he can be a 200-250 carry lead back without markedly losing efficiency.