Bears’ marquee addition named one of NFL’s worst signings

Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift.

The Chicago Bears have gone above and beyond to create a soft landing for presumptive No. 1 overall draft pick quarterback Caleb Williams.

Not only did the Bears pull off a blockbuster trade to acquire fringe future Hall of Fame wide receiver Keenan Allen, but general manager Ryan Poles came out swinging as free agency began by signing former Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift to bolster the weapons around Williams.

However, not everyone is convinced that Swift is going to be a game-changer in the Bears’ backfield.

One NFL analyst went so far as to label the Bears’ Swift signing as one of the NFL’s worst of the entire offseason.

In Philadelphia, Swift looked the part of a versatile threat, capable of breaking off big plays as a runner or as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

However, Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler isn’t convinced Swift will be that significant of an upgrade for the Bears as his three-year deal worth $24 million might suggest.

“There wasn’t a glaring need for another running back in Chicago,” Fowler writes, listing Swift as one of the worst signings of the offseason. “While 2023 saw Swift reach the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time in his career, the dominant Philadelphia Eagles offensive line deserves more credit than Swift does for his ability to create his own lanes and find open grass.

“While the expected addition of Caleb Williams under center should lighten the box, ultimately presenting Swift with fewer bodies to maneuver around, it’s hard to envision that the 2020 second-round selection would have drastically outproduced that of Herbert or Johnson if the latter were presented a similar workload.”

The Bears already have Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson in place, and it remains to be seen whether Swift will be an immediate impact player and matchup nightmare for opposing defenses or a mere high-priced luxury in an era where running backs have been significantly devalued.

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