Struggling running back D’Andre Swift may soon be on the back burner, but the Chiefs and Ravens could become suitors. According to multiple reports, plenty of fans and analysts are screaming for the Bears to bench Swift after a disastrous 2024 start to his campaign. Chicago was expecting to see improvement in week three’s loss against the Colts who have one of the worst defenses so far but they could find their rhythm. The Bears were hoping Swift would find his flow and be the clear-cut starter for the team but it might be time to bench him if he doesn’t improve despite signing a three-year, $24 million contract.
However, it doesn’t mean the Bears don’t have the right to bench him but many could argue it may be too early to give up on him. Swift notched 68 rushing yards on 37 carries while averaging 1.8 yards per carry. It’s easy to see why the Bears would bench him but it is too early, one analyst says to bench Swift. Roschon Johnson, a former fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, could see more carries this upcoming week four against the Rams.
If he continues to outperform Swift, there would be no surprise to his benching. Johnson is already the favorable starter so the ball is in his possession after notching 30 yards on eight carries. The Bears have the second-worst rushing offense after achieving the second-best last year so it’s hard to imagine they would be here already into three weeks. However, to no fault of Swift, it shouldn’t be too long before he could garner trade interest if he’s waiting for a new opportunity on the bench and the Bears fall out of postseason contention.
Abysmal Starter D’Andre Swift May Be On Back Burner, Chiefs, Ravens Suitors?
Fresh Start in Kansas City
Since Isiah Pacheco’s injury, the Chiefs have had one of the worst collections of running backs despite attempting to add depth behind him. Samaje Perine may become another journeyman and is nothing but a depth chart fill. Rookie Carson Steele has some potential but he has a lot of growing to go through before the Chiefs could consider him a reliable backup. No one hasn’t seen what Clyde Edwards-Helaire this year could do since he’s dealing with personal issues.
This forced the Chiefs to bring back controversial running back Kareem Hunt. He’s a familiar face so it’s no secret why Kansas City would bring him back into the lineup. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be the same productive player so it might be time to roll the dice on Swift. The Chiefs have one of the better above-average offensive lines in the league so Swift could find his groove playing with one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Extra Support for Derrick Henry
Henry continues to see improvement each week and Justice Hill is excelling on the ground game as well as the passing attack. However, the Ravens want to keep Henry fresh for the playoffs so it may be safe to add a third running back or someone to share the carries. They can’t afford Henry to sit out with injuries so Swift could be an option if available.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Swift is no longer a developmental running back so it’s easy to assume why he’s not excelling behind Caleb Williams. However, the Chargers have their long-term starter that’s already a proven veteran so maybe a scenery change could be what Swift needs. Los Angeles no longer has speedster Austin Ekeler and they could only replace him with bruised running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Swift could immediately find a role within Jim Harbaugh’s old-school style of running and may win a starting job if he stays consistent.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers don’t have a two-punch duo in the backfield which they were hoping to have in Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. However, Sanders continues to disappoint and the only backup they have is rookie Jonathon Brooks who has yet to receive a snap this year. Swift could become their No. 2 running back to give Hubbard some established life and a shoulder to lean on to share the ball carries.
