INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (670 The Score) – New Bears head coach Ben Johnson spent a year alongside running back D’Andre Swift in 2022, when they were both with the Lions. That time together was short-lived.
The Lions traded Swift to the Eagles in April 2023 as they sought an upgrade at running back. Detroit then signed David Montgomery and drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round to create one of the NFL’s most prolific rushing tandems.
Johnson is now the head coach in Chicago, and his running back is none other than Swift, who signed a three-year, $24-million deal with the Bears last March.
“I think very highly of him,” Johnson said Tuesday at the NFL Combine. “He’s an explosive athlete. There’s a number of things he can do, both in the running game and the passing game. I think he can ignite an offense because he’s got that playmaking ability. So, it will be fun to start to work together again here in the spring time with him.”
Swift struggled during his first season in Chicago, rushing for 959 yards in 17 games and just 3.8 yards per carry. His inconsistent performance was due in part to the unreliable run blocking in front of him.
As they look forward, the Bears are open to adding depth at running back, but there’s no sign that a release of Swift is in the cards at this point.
“We’re going to take a look at what’s available to us,” general manager Ryan Poles said. “I really believe it lines up with the additions we’re going to have over these next two player acquisition periods of free agency and the draft, we’ll be in a position to have a strong run game, to stay balanced, which in turn helps the quarterback out.”
Aaron Jones, Najee Harris, J.K. Dobbins, Nick Chubb, Javonte Williams and Rico Dowdle are a few running backs on a path to hit free agency in March. Boise State star Ashton Jeanty is the top running back prospect in this NFL Draft class.
The Bears have $74.7 million in salary cap space, according to Spotrac projections. They also hold the No. 10 overall pick and a pair of second-round selections in the NFL Draft.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.