12 March 2024 , 03:00
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The Chicago Bears have rolled out the red carpet for Caleb Williams with a major move on the opening day of free agency, striking a deal with star running back D'Andre Swift.
The NFL's tampering window started on Monday, which lets teams negotiate with free agents and Swift was one of the first big names to put pen to paper with a new team. The 25-year-old has signed a three-year, $24million (£18.7m) contract, his agency Athletes First confirmed.
Last season, Swift played for the Philadelphia Eagles and ran 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, scoring six touchdowns. Before that, he spent three seasons with the Detroit Lions where he was mainly used as a third-down back, making a big impact in the passing game.
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Swift has become a more rounded player in recent times and certainly will be a key part of an offense led by a new quarterback next season, as well as a new coordinator in former Seattle Seahawks assistant Shane Waldron. The Bears are expected to part ways with quarterback Justin Fields after three years with the team to facilitate Williams' arrival and begin a new era at Soldier Field.
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Chicago has the number-one overall pick in April's NFL Draft from the Carolina Panthers in the Bryce Young trade last season, putting the team in prime position to sign 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Williams.
The University of Southern California product is the consensus best player in his draft class, drawing comparison to Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes with his ability to extend plays and excel off-script.
Swift was a 1,000-yard rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles last season (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)There were suggestions Williams did not want to be drafted by the Bears, but he clarified his stance last month, and the addition of a Pro Bowl running back in Swift since will only heighten his enthusiasm.
"If I get drafted by the Bears, I'll be excited," Williams said to ESPN last month. "If they trade the pick, and I get drafted by someone else, I'm just as excited. Speaking about Chicago, they have a talented team, a talented offense and defense. For anyone to be in that situation, I think they'd be excited.
"This is what I've been preparing for my whole life. Since I was 10 or 11, this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. At that age until now, it basically feels like your whole life. I'm excited. I'm ready to get back on a football team around my teammates and my brothers, my new brothers now."
Last season, the Bears made strides and finished with a 7-10 record after being the league's worst team in 2022. The front office has shown a growing willingness to be aggressive in upgrading the roster, acquiring vaunted pass rusher Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders in a trade deadline deal before giving him a huge contract. The Bears have also secured their star cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a big-money extension.