D’Andre Swift was the first free agent to commit during last year’s legal tampering period. The Eagles had eyed a re-signing, but in a rather seminal development, their 2023 starter’s price tag moved outside their comfort zone. This sent Swift to Chicago (on a three-year, $24MM deal) and Saquon Barkley to Philly.
While not one of the forerunners of the 2024 running back resurgence, Swift skated to a quietly productive season with the Bears. He tallied a career-high 1,345 scrimmage yards, averaging 9.2 per catch and nearly reaching 1,000 on the ground. He has also shaken early-career injury concerns, missing just one game over the past two seasons. Swift now reunites with Ben Johnson, whose first OC season overlapped with Swift’s Detroit finale.
That year did not go especially well for Swift, who griped about his usage while Jamaal Williams took over lead-back duties. Now, Johnson’s staff may have their eyes on a major running back investment. The Bears are believed to “love” Ashton Jeanty, ESPN.com’s Matt Miller notes.
A Heisman runner-up who made a run at Barry Sanders‘ hallowed Division I-FBS single-season rushing record, Jeanty is widely expected to be the first running back off the board later this month. The Bears, Cowboys and Raiders scheduled visits with the dynamic Boise State product, who posted a staggering 2,601 rushing yards to go with 30 touchdowns. Travis Hunter‘s two-way season narrowly edged this transcendent RB performance, but Jeanty is not expected to go off the board too much later despite the former’s advantage in positional value. Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board slots Jeanty third overall.
The Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick, giving them an edge on a Bears team sitting 10th. The Cowboys check in 12th in Round 1. Swift’s contract also includes a $7.39MM base salary guarantee in 2025, though nothing is guaranteed beyond this season. Rostering Swift and a highly drafted back might not be a major issue for a Bears team that already remade its interior O-line in March and one that features a rookie-QB salary headlining its roster. But Chicago’s interest in Jeanty may also be tested; he is far from a lock to be there at No. 10.
Let LV be the huckleberry to throw its financials into chaos by drafting a RB that high ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
That makes no sense. The position of the player drafted at a certain spot doesn’t change based on that players position. Doesn’t matter who the Bears pick at 10, an RB doesn’t get paid more than a QB, WR, DE, CB or a kicker. 10th spot gets 10th spot money and will have minimal impact on the teams cap. You take the best player that you can that will help you the most regardless of position. Finances, are of little concern at draft time.
3.8 YPC suggests Swift is totally replaceable.
Good depth. Bad price.
I guess the Bears don’t place much value on ball security. Jeanty fumbled once every 83 touches on average in college. Swift is just mediocre with a 98 average. They gave up on Khalil Herbert who had a very respectable turnover rate of a fumble every 151 touches. Bears being the Bears.
Hebert couldn’t block his grandma. It matters more now in current offenses.
The OL couldn’t block grandma either so the Bears had some unity there.
Khalil Herbert? Bruh…
The team that drafts Jeanty will be disappointed
My thoughts, the Bears will draft a RB in the 2nd Round. Possibly the 3rd. Obviously, it all depends how things fall into p!ace. The RB position is deep this draft. More pressing needs one would think like Defensive Tackle. Word is they plan to move Dexter to Defensive End. At least give him a try. He’s reportedly looking leaner. Lost about 30 lbs. Left Tackle is another hole. Can’t really envision the team being comfortable with Jones who’s recovering from a lower leg fracture suffered in December who’s also in the final year of his rookie deal. The only other current option is Amegadjie who’s 1st season was a struggle due to injuries. There will be a Tackle drafted by the Bears. Where? Who knows.Again, depends who’s there in the 1st or 2nd.