A year ago, one of the first dominoes to all in free agency was at the running back position. On March 11, the Chicago Bears signed D'Andre Swift following his lone season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Swift had a career year posting totals that included more than 1,000 yards and he was named to his first ever Pro Bowl. The running back had also previously played in the NFC North as he was a member of the Detroit Lions for multiple seasons.
With a three-year deal worth $24 million, Swift looked like a steal. After all, the Eagles replaced Swift two days later by signing Saquon Barkley away from the New York Giants.
Barkley's deal contained the same number of years but offered more money. The new Eagles running back proved to be one of the more solid investments on any team.
The 28-year-old led the league with 345 carries and 2,005 yards. He also found the end zone 13 times as a rusher and twice more as a receiver. Swift's numbers were nowhere near as productive.
With almost 100 fewer carries, the Bears starting running back only tallied 959 yards and just six rushing touchdowns. Both numbers are less than half of Barkley's.
How the Bears Were Hurt by a Down Season From Swift
Having a successful rushing offense is vital to a team with playoff hopes and championship aspirations. Of the top five rushing teams in the NFL during the 2024 regular season, four of them were in the NFC.
In fact, all five of them made the playoffs including the Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Commanders. Those three teams all won at least one playoff game, as well.
The Chicago Bears failed to qualify for the postseason, again. All three teams in their division played football past Week 18.
The Packers and the Lions were two of six teams to average more than 145 yards rushing a game. The Bears struggled to record an average of 102 yards per game. Aside from Swift, quarterback Caleb Williams was the only other true rushing threat for Chicago.
Swift's contract not only came with about $10 million in guarantees, he still has two years left on it to play out. While it may not be the most feasible move to cut the former Eagle and Lion outright, trading him is a possibility.
What Value Does Swift Have and Who Could the Bears Trade With?
A veteran running back with playoff experience may be a hot commodity, especially for a team that was ranked at the bottom with Chicago in terms of rushing performances.
Of the seven teams that averaged fewer yards a game than the Bears, those teams are the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Seattle Seahawks, in addition to the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars.
The team not mentioned yet may actually be the most suitable trade partner for Chicago. Furthermore, it is the Oakland Raiders who were the only team in the NFL to average less than 80 yards per contest.
Thus, a trade could be swung between the two teams. Considering the two teams have tangoed before (i.e. Khalil Mack), the Bears can move on from Swift and pay another running back starter money such as Jordan Mason (San Francisco 49ers).
The Raiders have the second most salary cap space. Taking on Swift's remaining two years could be a remedy for Las Vegas to fix some of its running woes. Ameer Abdullah and Alexander Mattison are both free agents for the Raiders, as well.
Chicago may get Las Vegas to take a gamble on Swift for one of its third-round picks. The Raiders have two. Sparing one to upgrade at running back has the potential to work out for the Bears, too.
Regardless of who and where GM Ryan Poles operates with to facilitate a trade, the team needs to do it sooner than later. So, act swiftly, Bears!