Matt Eberflus explains how the Bears plan to utilize their top free agent signing on offense in 2024

While speaking with reporters at the league meetings down in Orlando earlier this week, Bears' head coach Matt Eberflus explained why the Bears' front office showed such an aggressive push to acquire the dynamic running back.

"We just felt that we wanted a home-run hitter there," Eberflus explained. "I think D’Andre brings that. We wanted a weapon back – a guy who could be a weapon out of the backfield. He’s got tremendous speed. You can feel that when he is running the football but you can definitely feel that as a pass catcher."

Swift's versatility out of the backfield and as a pure rusher offers a stark difference compared to the styles of Herbert and Johnson. His ability to be used as a home-run hitter on the ground and a reliable pass catcher will make it hard to take him off the field entering next season.

The extra added additions of wide receiver Keenan Allen and tight end Gerald Everett gives the Bears' offense a well-rounded core of different pass catchers to target, which will make the unit increasingly difficult to defend for opposing defenses.

"I know that in situational football it’s very difficult to be able to have the two guys outside covered, two tight ends covered, and then you got another situation where you have the weapon back inside," Eberflus added. "So, that was critical."

Despite having a career-low 39 receptions and 214 receiving yards during his first season with the Eagles in 2023, Eberflus expects Swift to be utilized heavily in the passing attack and get back to the style of play he entered the NFL playing with the Detroit Lions during his first three seasons.

"I feel like God has blessed me with the ability to do a lot of everything," Swift said during his introductory press conference. "I say that because I know the amount of work that I put in. So, I'm comfortable saying that I can do everything."

Swift's style out of the backfield will be an exciting bolt of energy to see out of the Bears' offense that the organization hasn’t seen from the position in a few years. He will be a real threat for the Bears and a key player for a rookie quarterback to rely on.