The Chicago Bears have a ton of money to spend this offseason, and that spending spree includes former Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift. According to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, it’s a three-year deal worth $24 million. The money, to me, suggests that Swift will be the top option in the Chicago backfield.
The veteran had an up and down season in 2023, scoring 12.5 fantasy points per game in his lone season with the Eagles. He was far better in the first nine games, ranking fifth in points while averaging 18.3 touches and 14.4 points. His touches and points dropped for some reason over his final seven contests, however, as he saw just 14.7 touches per game and averaged 9.9 points during that time.
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The downside is that Swift will be in another crowded backfield that includes Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, so a true featured role is unlikely. Instead, you’ll see Swift in a situation similar to the one he left in Philadelphia. That means seeing 15-18 touches and losing some work to his new teammates, but that’s probably a good thing for a runner who hasn’t been super durable during his NFL career.
The good news for Swift is that he did play in 16 games last season, a career best, and he averaged 4.6 yards per rush. He was also 12th among running backs in his yards that came on explosive runs, according to Fantasy Points. He’s also entering the prime of his career at the age of 25, so Swift will remain a No. 2 fantasy option albeit with a similar ceiling to the one he had with the Eagles last season.
As for Herbert and Johnson, they’ll be battling for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart in camp. Both will be worth later-round fliers in the majority of fantasy drafts.
In Philadelphia, Swift’s departure leaves a huge void in their backfield. Not only is he gone, but Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny are now free agents. But with a number of high-end runners available on the free agent market, I’d expect the Eagles to fill that backfield with someone like Derrick Henry or even Saquon Barkley.
Related: 2024 NFL Free Agency Tracker: Grading Every Major Move
