4 reasons why Bears RB D’Andre Swift should be on your fantasy football radar

Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift projects as a key centerpiece of the team’s new identity on offense. Swift was one of many offensive weapons acquired by general manager Ryan Poles this offseason, joining a revamped unit that includes rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, tight end Gerald Everett, and more.

As a result, Swift should be on your fantasy football radar. We’ve outlined some reasons why:

SWIFT ENJOYED A CAREER-BEST SEASON IN 2023

After years of failing to meet his pre-draft potential due to recurring injuries, Swift finally took advantage of his opportunity in 2023. The former Georgia standout appeared in 16 games for the Philadelphia Eagles. Swift rushed for a career-high 1,049 yards and five touchdowns. Swift averaged an effective 4.6 yards per carry. The dual-threat playmaker added 39 receptions and 214 receiving yards to his offensive totals.

THE BEARS PAID HIM HANDSOMELY

The Bears quickly signed Swift to a three-year contract worth $24 million just moments into unrestricted free agency. Poles gave Swift $8 million annually, the third-highest average annual salary for any free-agent running back in 2024, trailing just Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley, and matching what perennial All-Pro back Derrick Henry got from the Baltimore Ravens. Swift’s price tag indicates the Bears badly wanted him.

AVAILABLE WORKLOAD

The Bears averaged a second-best 141.1 rushing yards per contest in 2023. Of course that was spearheaded by quarterback Justin Fields, who is longer on the roster. Fields led all Bears ball-carriers in rushing with 657 yards. Furthermore, D’Onta Foreman also departed in free agency. Between Fields and Foreman, there are 233 newly available touches in Chicago’s backfield. Expect Swift to be the main beneficiary.

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR SHANE WALDRON

New offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is expected to field a well-balanced offense. While excitement is understandably through the roof for Williams’ rookie campaign, he’s still a first-year quarterback that would benefit from a rushing attack that can remove some of the pressure from his shoulders. Waldron is going to make Swift’s involvement in the offense a priority.