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Newly signed Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift has been one of the most promising, but also underperforming running backs across the NFL and the fantasy landscape in recent years. After three injury-riddled seasons in Detroit where he showed flashes of greatness but didn't quite live up to the hype, Swift was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
He had a solid 2023 season with the Eagles, rushing 229 times for 1,049 yards and five scores on top of having 39 receptions for 214 yards and one touchdown. However, after a disappointing end to the season that saw them lose several games down the stretch and get eliminated in the Wild Card round, GM Howie Roseman decided to pay up for free-agent RB Saquon Barkley instead.
Swift hit free agency, but was one of the first players signed after the Bears quickly gobbled him up on a three-year, $24 million deal.
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Why Did the Philadelphia Eagles Move on From D'Andre Swift?
The Eagles decided that after six years of seeing Giants RB Saquon Barkley as their enemy that they'd sooner just go out and make him an ally. In a surprise move, Philadelphia paid Barkley $37.75 million over three years to make him its lead running back after season after season of not paying nor prioritizing the position. This opened up the door for Swift to sign with a new team.
d'andre swift hourspic.twitter.com/we2fNxCtBP
— Dave (@dave_bfr) March 12, 2024
The expectations are that the Chicago Bears will draft a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and move on from QB Justin Fields. Swift is an electrifying running back who can do it all as a runner and a receiver. However, injuries have limited his career and have kept him from reaching his full potential. Nonetheless, it's hard not to think Swift could shine in his new role as the Bears could be much improved in 2024.
Fantasy Football Impact of D'Andre Swift Signing with the Chicago Bears
D'Andre Swift could end up being a great value for fantasy football and a great fit for the Chicago Bears in 2024. Last season, Swift was tackled at the 1-yard line six times on top of QB Jalen Hurts having 15 rushing touchdowns. To say Swift had a lot of touchdowns taken away that easily could have been his is the understatement of the year. Expect Swift to be the lead RB for the Bears in 2024 while seeing a surge in the high-value touches he didn't get in Philadelphia.
Swift could face some competition from fellow backs Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, but for the most part, the expectation after getting paid is that the backfield will be Swift's. The Bears drafted right tackle Darnell Wright with the No. 10 overall pick in last year's draft and left tackle Braxton Jones was more than adequate in 2023.
Chicago's offense with WR D.J. Moore and TE Cole Kmet has some potential and the Bears could also select another skill player with the No. 9 overall pick in the draft to really supercharge their offense.
The Bears officially announced the signing of the following free agents
RB D'Andre Swift
TE Gerald Everett
S Jonathan Owens
OL Matt Pryorand, a new one just now...
QB Brett Rypien, who agreed to a 1 year deal with the club
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 13, 2024
Swift has averaged 4.6 yards per carry so far in his four-year career and has an impressive 195 career receptions out of the backfield. He is just 25 years old and oozing with potential. While the Bears will likely feature a rookie QB under center in 2024, it's hard not to think that plenty of solid pieces are already in place around him to help him succeed. As a running back with enough size and receiving ability, his potential for plenty of high-value touches are there.
As things stand right now in Chicago, Swift's early fantasy football outlook is a low-end RB1 with upside depending on health and usage. Right now, it's wheels up!
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