Hot Takes, Predictions for Bears’ Most Impactful Free Agent Signings
The Chicago Bears offense will look much different in 2024 mostly because of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze.
But the free-agent signing of D’Andre Swift could prove to be a massive acquisition to balance out an offense that will have a ton of focus on the passing game.
Swift should give the Bears offense another exciting element after reviving his career in Philadelphia the previous season.
The largest free agent that the Bears signed was Swift. The re-signing of Jaylon Johnson was the other significant action.
Gerald Everett was also brought in by Chicago to serve as Cole Kmet’s backup tight end. Although Everett’s influence probably won’t be seen in every game, he might be a crucial player in the red zone.
In order to strengthen the secondary, the Bears can improve their pass defense if Kevin Byard, who was acquired by the Tennessee Titans, plays well in Week 1.
D’Andre Swift Gives Bears More Effective Ground Game
The Bears needed an impact running back like Swift to retool their offense.
Swift recorded the first 1,000-yard season of his four-year career with the Eagles in 2023.
He is exactly what the Bears needed because Justin Fields was the team’s leading rusher last season.
Khalil Herbert was good for 611 yards for Chicago. In the running game, D’Onta Foreman and Roschon Johnson made for good supporting roles as well.
The Bears now have Swift playing alongside Caleb Williams, but they lacked a real No. 1 running back to support their quarterback.
In the ground game, Swift ought to offer some much-needed security so that Williams won’t have to handle everything by himself. With his legs, the rookie quarterback will undoubtedly not be as active as Fields.
For Swift, a 1,000-yard season ought to be the standard. If the Bears put a lot of pressure on the ball in the red zone, he might also smash his single-season high of eight rushing touchdowns.
Gerald Everett Relied on Most in Red Zone
The bulk of the targets will go to Cole Kmet at the position, therefore unless Kmet is hurt, it is unlikely that Everett would reach 20–25 receptions.
Everett, who has three different clubs under his belt and five straight 400-yard seasons under his belt, is a nice insurance policy in the passing game.
The Bears will likely switch to some heavier setups in the red zone, which is where he will have the largest impact.
Over the last three seasons, while playing for the Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks, Everett has scored 11 of his 19 touchdowns.
The Bears may get the most out of him if he turns like a sponge in the red zone and Kmet takes in about 90% of the tight end targets from
Kevin Byard Makes Secondary Much Tougher To Play Against
When Kevin Byard was traded from Tennessee to Philadelphia last season, he was expected to have one of the biggest midseason impacts.
His main effect was thwarted by Philadelphia’s endless problems in the secondary and other areas of the field.
That shouldn’t make fans less excited about what he can accomplish in the Bears secondary.
In the NFL, Byard remains one of the more formidable safeties to oppose. Jaquan Brisker should benefit from his experience as a player as well.
The Bears improved their secondary and are well-prepared to handle the passing assaults of their three NFC North opponents by adding Byard and keeping Johnson.
