May 14, 2025

D'Andre Swift's prospects of avoiding formidable competition for touches within Chicago's backfield rotation had appeared tenuous entering the offseason. However, Swift is primed to operate as the Bears' lead back after the team failed to make any impactful additions at running back during free agency or the NFL Draft. Chicago made no changes to the backfield during free agency and did not address the position until they selected Kyle Monangai in Round 7 of April's NFL Draft (233rd overall). Swift finished fourth among all backs in offensive snaps (703) during 2024, and was 10th with a career high 253 attempts (14.9 per game). He also accumulated a career best 632 yards after contact, and finished 18th in rushing yards (959/56.4 per game). Swift registered a career-low 3.8 yards per attempt, and was 47th in rush yards over expected per attempt (-0.69) according to NextGenStats, but he was also fifth in routes run (351), and 14th in targets (52/3.1 per game), and receptions (42/2.5 per game). Swift's lead back role should be preserved, as he is cemented atop a depth chart that contains Roschon Johnson and Monangai. The Bears' offense should perform more proficiently under Ben Johnson, while Swift will benefit from offseason improvements to the offensive line. Those factors should propel Swift to production that surpasses the expectations of his ADPs in best ball leagues (87/RB30), and dynasty startup drafts (103/RB32).--Phil Clark - RotoBaller