Chicago Bears News: D'Andre Swift signing is the first surprise of NFL Free Agency
A Pro Bowl running back is joining the Chicago Bears' offensive backfield.
The Chicago Bears are adding a major addition to their offensive backfield.
Immediately at the start of the legal tampering window opening for NFL teams and unrestricted free agents, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Bears are expected to push to finalize an agreement with running back D'Andre Swift.
Bears are expected to make a major push to land Eagles free-agent RB D’Andre Swift, per sources. He is expected to be a primary Chicago target with free agency now open.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
Shortly after Schefter's report, Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported that the Bears and Swift agreed to a three-year deal.
The #Bears have agreed to terms with RB D’Andre Swift on a three-year, $24 million deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2024
After a career year with the #Eagles, Swift heads to Chicago to be a big piece in Shane Waldron’s offense. pic.twitter.com/K1lLFj3Adc
Over the course of the past week, it's become clear that the Bears were planning on an upgrade at the running back position. Mutual interest was reported between the Bears and Josh Jacobs, while Saquon Barkley was a popular name in rumors over the weekend.
While signing veteran running backs is often a foreign practice, the Bears likely view Swift as a dynamic playmaker in the running and passing game.
Swift matched his career averages last season by averaging 4.6 yards per carry in the Philadelphia Eagles' offense. Still, he has proved valuable in the passing game throughout his career, with an average of 5.6 yards per reception out of the backfield.
The Chicago Bears make a major addition to the backfield with D'Andre Swift contract.
For the Bears, the addition of Swift makes more sense than Jacobs.
Both of the Bears' current running backs in Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson have struggled in the passing game. Swift's addition gives the Bears a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield to pair with a fourth-year quarterback in Justin Fields or a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams.
The Bears were faced with a unique opportunity where given the amount of salary cap space the team had, they were able to afford a lucrative free-agent deal with a veteran running back.
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