The Chicago Bears had one of the most explosive and entertainment offenses in the league last season. That's not much of a surprise, since Ben Johnson took the reins as their new head coach and play-caller.
Now, with the team looking to bolster the defense, they might have to make some sacrifices on offense. Veteran star WR D.J. Moore is a potential trade candidate, but he's not alone. As things stand now, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Bears entertain the possibility of trading or cutting D'Andre Swift as well.
The Bears Need to Make up Their Minds About D'Andre Swift
Swift is a solid and reliable player, but not a superstar. The Bears' running game got off to a slow start as a whole before turning the corner around Week 5. Swift finished the season with 223 carries for 1,087 yards and nine scores. He averaged 4.9 yards per attempt, and also had 34 receptions on 48 targets for 299 yards and another touchdown.
That said, the Bears may have a budding star in Kyle Monangai. The rookie seventh-round pick runs with hunger and anger, and he's the type of bruising and hard-hitting back who could have a long career in the Windy City.
Even if that weren't the case, GM Ryan Poles cannot ignore the financial incentives to move on from Swift. The Bears are $5.3 million over the cap right now, and they would clear up $7.4 million by cutting or trading Swift, according to Over The Cap.
The Bears may already have more than enough weapons on offense. Caleb Williams is only going to get better, and the likes of Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, and the aforementioned Monangai should keep the chains in motion with ease, especially with Johnson calling the shots.
That's not the case with Dennis Allen's unit. The defensive coordinator needs to bolster the front seven after the Bears' pass rush left plenty to be desired last season. Also, Kevin Byard will be a free agent, and they need to keep their playmaking secondary as intact as possible.
That's not to say that they should definitely move on from Swift or that he should be the only one on thin ice. Still, every penny will count this offseason, and with not many alternatives, they may have no choice but to send him elsewhere at some point in the next couple of months.