(670 The Score) Just minutes into the NFL’s open negotiation period back in March, the Bears moved swiftly to sign their coveted running back.
With proven stars like Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs available, general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears had another rusher in mind. They struck a three-year, $24-million deal with 25-year-old running back D’Andre Swift to lead the backfield in Chicago.
Now deep into his first season in Chicago, Swift has struggled in 2024 and so too has the Bears’ ground game. He has carried 193 times for 742 yards (3.8 yards per attempt) and five touchdowns.
The Bears led the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2023 and ranked second in 2023, but they rank 23rd this season. They also rank 24th in the league in averaging 4.1 yards per carry. The NFL's three leading rushers are Barkley (1,623 yards), Henry (1,407 yards) and Jacobs (1,053 yards).
The Bears expressed interest in Barkley, and a clip from "Hard Knocks" featured Giants general manager Joe Schoen saying, “Chicago (was) driving the price up.” Jacobs, who led the NFL in rushing in 2022, was also targeted by the Bears, sources said. He instead signed with the rival Packers and has been a stabilizing figure for their offense.
Swift was the Bears’ choice in large part because he’s younger than Barkley, Henry and Jacobs and because he has had far fewer carries in his career. Poles viewed Swift as the better long-term fit for Chicago’s hopes of sustained success.
That success hasn't arrived yet. The Bears (4-9) have endured a miserable season, losing seven straight games to fall out of playoff contention. They may be officially eliminated before their game Monday against the Vikings (11-2), who boast the NFL’s second-best run defense.
The Bears have had issues across the board this season, making their struggles to run the football a relative afterthought. Swift will draw the brunt of criticism – that’s what comes with a hefty contract – but the Bears’ inability to run the football is a systemic problem.
After offensive coordinator Shane Waldron took over the unit in the offseason, the Bears overhauled much of their running scheme that had been established by run game coordinator/offensive line coach Chris Morgan, as first reported by Adam Jahns of The Athletic. That and the instability of the Bears’ interior offensive line has prevented Chicago from being efficient running between the tackles.
While the likes of Barkley, Henry and Jacobs are thoroughbreds capable of rushing inside or outside, Swift is more of a scatback. He’s quick and agile but doesn't operate as well through contact.
Swift has averaged just 2.1 yards per carry before contact, by far the lowest mark of his five-year NFL career. In Philadelphia in 2023, Swift enjoyed a breakout Pro Bowl season thanks in large part to an Eagles offensive line that featured future Hall of Famers in Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. Swift averaged 2.8 yards before contact with the Eagles last season. Barkley, the Eagles’ current running back, averages league-best 3.9 yards before contact.
The Eagles provided Swift – and now Barkley – rushing opportunities that aren’t available with the Bears.
Swift has also been slowed over the last month because of injuries to his groin and quad. Despite that, he hasn't missed a game.
Swift, Morgan and the Bears’ offensive linemen haven’t made excuses despite the instability around them, but the results speak for themselves.
The Bears went from boasting one of the NFL’s top rushing offenses to a bottom-tier unit, and Swift went from premier production to being bottled up in Chicago.
Just as the Bears wasted little time to sign Swift, they must work with urgency to give him a better chance.
Emma's prediction (8-5): Vikings 28, Bears 20
I believed the Bears would benefit from the coaching change and earn a spirited win last Sunday in San Francisco. Boy, was I wrong. This team looked as checked out as can be, and it's hard to imagine a win in the final four games.
I believed the Bears would benefit from the coaching change and earn a spirited win last Sunday in San Francisco. Boy, was I wrong. This team looked checked out as can be, and it's hard to imagine a win in these final four games.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.