The Bears moved quickly to sign Andre Swift's 'return weapon'

The aptly named Swift hit a speed of 20.37 mph in a Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings last season, according to Next Gen Stats, and finished with a half-dozen 20-plus carries. yards. In his fourth NFL campaign, he also earned his first Pro Bowl Games selection, after totaling 1,049 yards on 229 carries (4.6 yards per carry) and an additional 214 yards on 39 receptions. It was his first 1,000-yard season as he recorded career highs in yards, carries, first downs (50) and yards per game (65.6) – by almost 20 yards.

In offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's system, Swift is now part of an array of threats anticipating targets for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, as well as wide receivers DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze and tight end Cole Kmet.

“I feel like we have a lot of things in this offense to get the ball to our playmakers,” Swift said.

While there are a lot of hands to feed, Eberflus anticipates Swift will see a lot of carries and targets.

“D’Andre looked really good this offseason,” the third-year coach said. “Obviously, as you know, he's very quick, he's a weapon out of the backfield, which is exceptional for our passing game and it's going to create mismatches for us. He can do a lot of things from the backfield, we can split it and run the full tree of the route, so it’s exciting to watch.”

Despite being the leader, Swift doesn't plan to be a workhorse with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson also in the RB room, nor does he think that's the best approach.

“Whatever they see fit for me. That's kind of how I've always been,” Swift said when asked what percentage of carries he expected to see. “Nowadays you need that kind of 1-2, 2-3, you need multiple guys. It's a long season and it's long games played. You need that multi-back system throughout the season, keep the guys fresh.”

The 25-year-old guard's legs were very fresh last year for Philly. Although the Eagles stumbled down the stretch, they still made the playoffs, marking Swift's first postseason opportunity.

Ready for his fourth season as a member of the NFC North, Swift believes the division is wide open and another trip to the playoffs could be on the horizon for him.

“I feel like the division is up for grabs, that’s how I’m going to look at it,” he said.

Of course, playing with the Bears and in the NFC North gives Swift a chance to play against the Lions for the first time. Despite smiling, Swift downplayed any anticipation of facing her former team when asked Friday.

“Another team. That's how I'm going to see it,” he said. “I'm not going to say too much. It's just another team, that's all.”

The Bears are counting on Swift and not just a returner.

They expect big plays out of the backfield as part of a new Chicago offense.

Swift is excited about the prospects but realistic in the approach because it's a whole new ball game on that side of the ball.

“It’s a total offense, but it’s going to take some work,” he said. “It's a new offense, we're all new here. The coaching staff is new. The rookie quarterback. So it's going to be a learning experience for everyone, but I have confidence in the group That we have.”