Andre Swift's 'Returning Weapon' Another Threat to Bears Offense

LAKE FOREST, IL (670 points) — During this transformational offseason at Halas Hall, the focus has been on Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, his talented trio at wide receiver and big-time prospects in the passing game.

But the Bears will still have an offense that relies heavily on the rushing attack, which is now led by veteran running back D'Andre Swift. After signing a lucrative three-year, $24 million contract in free agency, Swift is Chicago's primary backfield threat and a key figure in the offense. And in the Bears' minds, the dynamic Swift is the perfect complement to Williams and the passing game.

“It’s going to be balanced,” Swift said of the Bears’ offense. “We have a lot of playmakers on our side, a lot of playmakers in the running back room, first and foremost. So, I feel like we have a lot of stuff in this offense to get the ball to the playmakers.

“It’s an all-out attack, but it’s going to take some work.” This is a new offense. We’re all new here – the coaching staff is new, the rookie quarterback. So this is going to be a learning experience for everyone. But I have confidence in the group we have.

The Bears' search for their primary running back didn't last long this offseason. With running backs like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Austin Ekeler among those available in free agency, the Bears reached a deal with Swift just minutes after the open trading period began — before another running back does not agree to sign elsewhere.

Swift was the Bears' first overall pick after rushing for a career-high 1,049 yards and five touchdowns with the Eagles last season. He is also a versatile back who can play a role in the passing game, having made 195 receptions and eight receiving touchdowns in four seasons in the NFL.

“He’s very fast,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said of Swift. “He's a weapon out of the backfield, which is exceptional for our passing game, and that's going to create mismatches for us. He can do a lot of things from the backfield. He can split them wide and run the complete tree It is fascinating to look at.

“Just a gun back.” We really needed that guy that can really operate on third down and even first and second down to be a weapon in the deep end and the short end of the field and be able to go the distance. He has a lot of gas.

Swift, who turned 25 in January, was a second-round pick of the Lions in 2020. He played three seasons in Detroit before being traded to Philadelphia in April 2023.

Swift primarily worked as part of a shared backfield with the Lions before showing his full potential with the Eagles in 2023. With the Bears, Swift is expected to get the majority of the carries, with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson also in the mix. mix behind. him.

As the Bears develop their offensive plans in hopes of becoming a productive unit, they plan to lean on their collective depth.

“There’s a lot of opportunity there,” Swift said. “That’s how I see it. Not just for me, for everyone. For all playmakers. For receivers, for backs. There are a lot of opportunities in this attack.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, the Chicago sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.