D'Andre Swift's impact on the Bears ignored in latest NFL Power Ranking

The first signing that the Chicago Bears' made this off-season was inking 2023 Pro-Bowl running back D'Andre Swift to a three-year deal.

There were smoke signals prior to the start of NFL free agency that the Bears could be in the market for a running back and the signing of Swift proves that upgrading at the position was a priority for the team. Despite that priority for the Bears, nationally, the signing of Swift continues to be met with a question.

Even in ranking the running back units across the NFL, Pro Football Focus took a subtle jab at Swift when placing the Bears at No. 19.

The Bears added D’Andre Swift to a group already containing Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. Swift racked up the most rushing yards of his career last year, but that was mainly due to volume instead of a major breakout. He, Herbert and Johnson form a nice trio.

-Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

There is no question that Swift benefited from playing behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL last season, and it would seem that is being held against him when evaluating what his role could be on the Bears.

The running back that Bears should be keeping an eye on is Roschon Johnson. Many pegged Johnson to take over as the primary running back by the end of his rookie season but injuries led to him having an up-and-down campaign in 2023.

The signing of Swift likely means hat the Bears will be willing to let Khalil Herbert walk at the end of the season once his contract is up. With that in mind, the Bears should give extended runway to Johnson this season behind swift to ensure that the running back position continues to be a layered unit for the team.