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High-priced Bears free agent signing named biggest predicted bust

One mainstream media outlet has low expectations for new Chicago Bears RB D’andre Swift

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2024

Justin Melo

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MaryKate Drews/Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears paid a premium to lure D’Andre Swift in free agency. The Bears signed Swift to a three-year contract worth $24 million. The annual price tag of $8 million was the third-highest, trailing just Saquon Barkley ($12.5 million) and Josh Jacobs’ deal with the rival Green Bay Packers ($12 million annually).

Swift capitalized after enjoying a career-best campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. The former Georgia Bulldog rushed for 1,049 yards. The Bears are hoping Swift can replicate repeat performances.

At least one mainstream outlet has concerns. Bleacher Report recently predicted that Sweat will be the Bears’ biggest bust in 2024. The list weighs a player’s projected role against anticipated production.

“Chicago charged after D’Andre Swift and rapidly signed him to a three-year contract in free agency,” B/R wrote. “He’s been a decently efficient player through four seasons, too. The offensive line is still an issue, though, and the Bears” strength is now at receiver with Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze joining DJ Moore. Swift, who totaled 1,263 scrimmage yards in 2023, might not come close to that number in 2024.”

It’s true that Swift ran behind an extremely talented offensive line in Philadelphia. The Eagles” 2023 O-line featured high-level blockers such as Jordan Mailata, Jason Kelce, and Lane Johnson. Chicago can’t match that offensive line talent for talent, so Swift’s production could rely on the development of blockers like Darnell Wright, Teven Jenkins, and Braxton Jones.

The Bears ranked second in the league in rushing at 141.1 ground yards per contest, but that number is grossly misleading. It was powered forward by Justin Fields, who’s obviously been replaced by Caleb Williams at quarterback. Williams has some rushing potential himself, but not to the extent of Fields.

No Bears running back rushed for more than 611 yards last season, and that was Khalil Herbert, who may not make the 2024 roster. D’Onta Foreman racked up 425 yards and four touchdowns but now plays elsewhere. Swift will be tasked with carrying the workload.