The Bears opened free agency Monday with a somewhat surprising move by agreeing to a deal with running back D’Andre Swift in the first half-hour of the negotiating period.
He’ll sign for $24 million over three years with $15.3 million guaranteed once the new league year opens Wednesday, a source said. The Bears can get out of the deal after two seasons with minimal salary-cap damage.
They have many higher priorities to address on their roster for next season — pass rusher, quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line — but started with the backfield. Nonetheless, it was a quality addition at a manageable price.
Swift, 25, made his first Pro Bowl last season with 1,049 yards and five touchdowns on 229 carries for the Eagles. He spent his first three seasons with the Lions after they drafted him in the second round out of Georgia in 2020.
He’s in line to be the Bears’ lead running back next season with returning players Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson getting a share of the carries, as well.
Quarterback Justin Fields led the team with 657 rushing yards last season, followed by Herbert at 611 (4.6 per carry), D’Onta Foreman at 425 and Johnson at 352. Herbert is entering the last season of his rookie contract; Johnson was a fourth-round pick last year and is signed through 2026.
It’s by far the most solid running-back room they’ve had under general manager Ryan Poles, who tried to round it out with sixth-round pick Trestan Ebner in 2022 and Foreman on a bargain contract last season. The Bears now have three proven or promising running backs that are 25 or younger.
While they needed help at running back, the Bears steered clear of pricey players at the top of the market. They agreed to terms with Swift before former Giants star Saquon Barkley reached a deal with the Eagles ($37.8 million over three years) and ex-Raiders two-time Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs went to the Packers. Five-time 1,000-yard rusher Derrick Henry remained available, but it’s clear what his market will be at 30.
The Packers released veteran Aaron Jones after adding Jacobs.
Several of the biggest contracts agreed to Monday were at positions of need for the Bears, who still have close to $50 million in salary-cap space, according to Over The Cap.
They’re looking for help on the defensive line but didn’t nab top defensive tackle Christian Wilkins ($110 million over four years to the Raiders) or pass rushers Jonathan Greenard ($76 million over four years to the Vikings) and Bryce Huff ($51.1 million over three years to the Eagles).
Negotiations were allowed Monday at 11 a.m., and players can sign beginning Wednesday at 3 p.m. The most coveted free agents typically agree to deals during that window.
As the Bears went into Day 2, several top players were still available.
Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter is coming off a career-high 16½ sacks at 29, and Spotrac projected his market value at $60.1 million over three years. The Bears, who had the second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season, need another threat to line up opposite Montez Sweat.
Longtime Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith, 33, is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and is the most accomplished free agent at his position. The Bears could make Braxton Jones their swing tackle behind Smith and right tackle Darnell Wright.
And as wide receiver remains a frustrating piece of the puzzle for Poles, he could look at Calvin Ridley (76 catches, 1,106 yards, eight touchdowns for the Jaguars last season), Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (51, 574, four for the Cardinals) or Curtis Samuel (62, 613, four for the Commanders).
The only proven wide receiver on the Bears’ roster for next season is DJ Moore. No one else has more than 30 career receptions.
