The Chicago Bears have been in need of a running back, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter initially reported that they were making a “major push” to sign Philadelphia Eagles star D’Andre Swift.
Now, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network are reporting that the Bears have agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal with the halfback.
The Eagles have a history of not wanting to pay halfbacks big money, such as last year when it allowed Miles Sanders to join the Carolina Panthers. So, them allowing Swift to the Bears to walk does not come as a surprise.
Swift may have priced himself out of Philly’s range with the season he just had, as he rushed for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry in 2023. He added 39 catches for 214 yards and a score, landing his first Pro Bowl appearance.
The 25-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Georgia, was originally selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
He played in 13 games during his rookie campaign, registering 521 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground while logging 4.6 yards per attempt. In addition, he caught 46 passes for 357 yards while reaching the end zone a couple of times.
The following year, Swift totaled 617 yards and five touchdowns as a rusher, posting 4.1 yards per tote. He also hauled in 62 receptions for 452 yards and a pair of scores.
In his final season with the Lions in 2022, Swift rushed for 542 yards and five touchdowns, recording a robust 5.5 yards per attempt. On top of that, he snared 48 balls for 389 yards and three scores.
Overall, though, Swift was a bit of a disappointment in Detroit, and last offseason, the Lions traded him to the Eagles for a seventh-round draft pick.
It was certainly a great value trade for Philadelphia, who certainly got the most out of Swift this past year.
But now, Swift will be joining a Bears backfield that already includes Khalil Herbert. That should be an interesting combination in the Windy City.
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