New Bears running back D'Andre Swift told reporters Thursday that he was "stressing" when the NFL's free agency negotiation window opened on Monday.
"I was laying down with my phone next to me in the house by myself," Swift said during his introductory press conference. "I didn't want to be around too many people, kind of gathering my thoughts, just waiting for my agent to let me know something."
It didn't take long for Swift to receive the clarity he was seeking. The Bears showed the most interest in him and he agreed to a three-year contract.
"Ultimately, it came down to where I was wanted the most," Swift said. "I feel like this was the best decision for me, best opportunity for me with everything that was out there. I feel like I made the best decision. I'm excited to be here, excited to be a Bear."
Swift, 25, arrives having appeared in 56 NFL games with 31 starts for the Lions (2020-22) and Eagles (2023). A versatile dual threat, he has rushed for 2,779 yards and 23 touchdowns on 593 carries and caught 195 passes for 1,412 yards and eight TDs.
"I feel like God blessed me with the ability to do a little bit of everything," Swift said. "I say that because I know the amount of work that I put in, so I'm comfortable with saying I can do everything."
Swift was selected by Detroit with the third pick in the second round of the 2020 draft out of Georgia. The 5-9, 215-pounder played in 40 games with 16 starts over three seasons with the Lions, rushing for 1,680 yards and 18 TDs on 364 attempts and catching 156 passes for 1,198 yards and one TD.
Swift was traded to the Eagles during last year's draft. He proceeded to earn his first trip to the Pro Bowl after rushing for a career-high 1,049 yards and five TDs on 229 carries while appearing in 16 games with 15 starts.
"Just thankful for the opportunity, especially, that Philly gave me, to go out there and have the opportunity to produce first and foremost," Swift said. "But how I prepared, my mentality, the way I attacked work each and every day, that's kind of how I [had a career year]."
Asked to describe himself as a player, Swift said: "Playmaking ability, a team-first guy, a guy that wants to win first and foremost. That's what it's all about. A guy who is going to come in here and work every single day, the same mentality every single day. Looking forward to winning and getting the most out of me. That's all. This city and this organization is going to get that."
Swift joins a Bears running back contingent that includes 2021 sixth-round pick Khalil Herbert and 2023 fourth-round selection Roschon Johnson. Last season Herbert rushed for 611 yards and two touchdowns, while Johnson ran for 352 yards and two TDs.
"It's a great running back room," Swift said. "I was real familiar with it before I got here. A lot of talent in the running back room. However it plays out, I don't expect anything coming into it (in terms of starting or playing time). I'm going to come here and work and earn whatever role that they have for me."
During his visit to Halas Hall Thursday, Swift sensed a warm, welcoming environment.
"I just got here today, but I can tell it's family-oriented, especially the McCaskey family and the things that I've heard," he said. "I thank them for letting me be a part of this tremendous organization, Mr. [Ryan] Poles for believing in me and trusting me for bringing me in … The people I just met in the cafeteria, everybody is smiling, just happy. It seemed like a place where you would want to come and work every day."
Check out new Bears running back D'Andre Swift in action. (Photos via AP)
