D’Andre Swift, Bears agree to three-year, $24 million contract
Pro Bowl running back D’Andre Swift and the Chicago Bears have reached a three-year contract agreement, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said on Monday.
The individual talked to the Associated Press under the condition of anonymity because free agents have until Wednesday to formally sign with new teams. It is reported that the transaction is for $24 million, of which $15.3 million is guaranteed.
The 25-year-old Swift, who was acquired from Detroit on draft day last year, had a stellar campaign. In addition to making his first Pro Bowl, he rushed for a career-high 1,049 yards and five touchdowns.
Swift played his first three seasons in Detroit. In his career, he has carried the ball 593 times for 2,729 yards and 23 touchdowns. In addition, he has eight touchdowns and 1,412 yards from 195 receptions. Swift joins Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert in the Chicago backfield.
Last week was a busy one for the Bears. Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson agreed to a four-year, $76 million contract extension that guarantees him $54.4 million, and veteran safety Kevin Byard signed a two-year deal.
Chicago finished 7-10 last season. The Bears have the No. 1 and No. 9 overall picks in the draft next month.
The Chicago Bears acquired a running back less than twelve minutes into the NFL’s alleged legal tampering window.
It was D’Andre Swift instead of Saquon Barkley, as had been speculated for a few days. Swift accepted a three-year, $24 million contract offer from the Bears, as reported by NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo. The league year doesn’t begin until Wednesday, so either Swift or the Bears may decide not to sign a contract. However, it seems the Bears’ first priority in free agency was to use some of their cap space to acquire a better running back.
Before the 2018 season, Swift—who played his first three seasons with the Detroit Lions—was moved to the Philadelphia Eagles. He gained 1,049 yards on the ground and five touchdowns. the Bears and converted that into a respectable salary with the Eagles. Josh Jacobs and Barkley, two other free agent running backs, may find different opportunities as a result of that contract.