Grading the Bears’ Signing of RB D’Andre Swift

The Chicago Bears have a new starting running back, and he’s a good one.

The Bears agree to terms on a three-year, $24 million deal with former Philadelphia Eagle D’Andre Swift, which will pay him a bit more in the first two years of the contract compared to year three.

It’s a move that was expected from GM Ryan Poles—not that signing D’Andre Swift, specifically, was expected. But the Bears have been linked to several free-agent running backs in the run-up to the legal tampering period, so it’s no surprise that a new starter at the position was added.

D’Andre Swift gets $16.5M in first two years — an average of $8.25M over 2. https://t.co/d8OoiEn3cV

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024

Swift represents exactly what Bears fans could’ve hoped for if this team was going to sign a running back in free agency. He’s young (25), doesn’t have much mileage on his legs (last year was the first season of his career with more than 200 carries), and has proven to be productive whenever he’s gotten the ball.

Swift has never averaged less than 4.1 yards per carry in any of his four pro seasons and has a career yards-per-carry average of 4.6. He matched that mark in 2023 when he carried the ball 229 times for 1,049 yards and five scores. He added 39 catches for 214 yards and a touchdown as a receiver.

DJ Moore and D’Andre Swift are a top __ WR-RB duo pic.twitter.com/dXPQJG0YI3

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) March 11, 2024

D’Andre Swift will do many of the same things for the Bears’ offense that a higher-profile free agent like Saquon Barkley would’ve done. He’s a well-rounded running back who fits the label of “offensive weapon” at the position. As a result, paying him more than $8 million per season is justifiable, he’ll contribute in the passing game while being the primary early-down runner too. And, remember: Players like Barkley and Josh Jacobs would’ve likely cost a few million more per season.

Swift entered the NFL as the 35th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. His career got off to a slower-than-preferred start with the Detroit Lions, as injuries seemed to derail any progress he made in the Motor City. Still, there was no denying his natural ability and upside, and he showcased all of it with the Eagles in 2023.

Now, he’ll get a chance to continue his ascent into the NFL’s upper-class of running backs with the Chicago Bears.

I’m a big (BIG) fan of this signing. The Bears needed a game-changing threat at running back, and D’Andre Swift is just that.

Good move.

GRADE: B+