The Chicago Bears spent big on free agency. With the fourth most cap space in the league heading into free agency, who can blame them? One addition that will pay off is running back D'Andre Swift.
Great expectations will be placed on Swift's shoulders after signing a three-year, $24 million deal with the Bears. As we enter a pivotal year for head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles, Swift will be the workhorse back for a team looking for playoff success.
Swift's role will be crucial to the Bears' success from Year 1 as he runs, catches, and returns the Bears to victory. While he'll share a backfield with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, Swift was specifically brought in to carry the weight on the ground game.
It's something he did very well in his only season with the Philadelphia Eagles, galloping for 1,263 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns en route to his first Pro Bowl nod, per Pro Football Reference. Swift's touchdown total could've been more if it weren't for the Eagles scoring so many goal line touchdowns off the Tush Push.
Swift won't have to worry about scoring opportunities with the Bears, who ranked second in team rushing yards in 2023 and first in 2022. Say what you want about Eberflus, but he knows how to run the ball. A bold prediction for Swift in Year 1 in Chicago is that he breaks his personal record for carries in a season, which currently stands at 229.
D'Andre Swift could be the focal point of the Chicago Bears' offense next season.
Everyone expects the Bears to draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. As Williams gets used to the NFL, a receiving threat out of the backfield like Swift will be a huge asset. He didn't get a lot of pass-catching opportunities last season in Philly, but during his time with the Detroit Lions, Swift caught 156 receptions in three seasons. Swift will most definitely catch a lot of passes from Williams in the check-down and screen pass.
One area Swift could dominate in is the return game. The NFL's new kickoff rules makes the kickoff relevant again. This new rule change was needed after 77.2% of kick returns were touchbacks last season. Kickoffs will be different and exciting in 2024. And Swift could be a clear favorite in the return game.
A true Swiss army knife, Swift could be a great pickup in fantasy football for next season. If he stays healthy, Swift could gain over 1,500 scrimmage yards. It's realistic for Swift, 25, who is entering his prime as the Bears try to enter theirs too.