General Manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears got off to a quick start when free agency opened up in March. The offense has been consistently at the bottom half of the rankings for the past several seasons. Poles went to work to address the offensive side of the ball, signing dynamic free agent veteran running back, D’Andre Swift. The Bears signed Swift to a 3-year, $24,000,000 contract. Let’s explore how this addition impacts the team.
Swift gives the backfield another much needed boost. His ability to break tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and create big plays in open space makes him a versatile weapon that opposing defenses will struggle to contain. Swift has been a proven explosive back for the last four seasons. He provides a solid option as the lead back in a talented Bears RB room. Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles traded the Detroit Lions for Swift, who was entering his last year of his rookie contract. Last season, Swift ran for a career high 1,049 yards and added 5 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry and caught 39 passes for 214 yards and 1 receiving touchdown. All season long, Swift had multiple goal line opportunities taken away by Jalen Hurts and the infamous “Tush Push”. Swift could have easily hit double digit touchdowns if it weren’t for the “Tush Push” given the amount of goal line opportunities.
Swift, who turns 26 in January, has had his share of minor injuries throughout the last four years, but was able to play in all but one game last season with the Eagles. He’s suffered an ankle sprain, groin injury, and a concussion during his time with the Lions. Many reporters were quick to downgrade this signing given his injury history. At the end of the day, Swift is an NFL RB, he’s going to get banged up but has no serious injury to worry about on his record. I hold no concern given his age, usage, and the fact that he nearly played a full season last year with the Eagles.
Some would say the price tag was a bit high for Swift given the fact that the league is moving away from paying RB’s big money. Prior to free agency opening up in March, Chicago ranked 4th in cap space with $45,000,000. Chicago clearly has enough cash to make this much needed move. Swift was the youngest free agent running back signed this offseason (25) so Poles essentially was paying a premium for Swift’s youth given the fact that most NFL RB’s these days have a tough time performing past the age of 28.
Other notable contracts to compare Swift this offseason:
- Saquon Barkley (27), 3 years, $37,000,000 to Philadelphia
- Josh Jacobs (26), 4 years, $48,000,000 to Green Bay
- Tony Pollard (27), 3 years, $21,000,000 to Tennessee
One report compared the signing to the Carolina Panthers when they signed Miles Sanders last year which, to me, is preposterous. Swift comes into Chicago; one of the better run-blocking offensive lines in the league. Compare that to Carolina, who had statistically one of the worst. Not a great situation for Miles Sanders to be successful. Ryan Poles will continue to build up the O-line to protect the new QB, whoever that may be, and to dominate the run game like the Bears have done in the past. OT Darnell Wright and OG Tevin Jenkins showed improvements all year with the ability to be successful run-blockers for Swift.
Having an explosive backfield is key to offensive success in the NFL. Swift immediately gave the Eagles production out of the backfield and a safety option for Jalen Hurts when he needed in the passing game. Swift has plenty left in the tank and with new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron calling the plays, he will have his most productive year of his career this season with the Bears. Poles did a great job signing Swift and bolstering the RB position for the Bears. Overall, great signing by Poles and the Bears.
Final Grade for Signing D’Andre Swift: A-