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 reinvigorated his career in Philadelphia last season and should add another dynamic layer to the Bears offense.
Swift was the biggest free agent signed by the Bears. The other major move was the re-signing of Jaylon Johnson.
Chicago also brought in Gerald Everett to be a backup tight end to Cole Kmet. Everett's impact likely will not be felt in every game, but he may be an important piece in the red zone.
Kevin Byard was signed as well to shore up the secondary, and if the Tennessee Titans version of the player shows up in Week 1, the Bears can be much better defending the pass.
D'Andre Swift Gives Bears More Effective Ground Game
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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.
Chicago got 611 yards out of Khalil Herbert. D'Onta Foreman and Roschon Johnson were decent supporting pieces as well in the rushing game.
However, the Bears lacked a true No. 1 running back to complement their quarterback, They have that now with Swift lining up alongside Caleb Williams.
Swift should provide some much needed security in the ground game so that Williams does not have to do everything himself. The rookie quarterback certainly will not be as active as Fields with his legs.
A 1,000-yard season should be the expectation for Swift. He could also fly past his single-season best of eight rushing touchdowns if the Bears pound the rock in the red zone.
Gerald Everett Relied on Most in Red Zone
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Gerald Everett was signed to be the clear No. 2 at tight end.
Cole Kmet will earn a majority of the targets from the position and it is hard to see Everett coming close to 20-25 receptions unless Kmet goes down with an injury.
Everett is a good insurance policy to have in the passing game since he has five consecutive 400-yard season with three different teams.
His biggest impact will be felt in the red zone, where the Bears will probably go to some heavier sets.
Everett scored 11 of his 19 touchdowns over the last three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Chargers.
If he morphs into a sponge in the red zone, the Bears could get the best out of him while Kmet absorbs around 90 percent of the tight end targets from Williams.
Kevin Byard Makes Secondary Much Tougher To Play Against
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Kevin Byard was supposed to make one of the biggest midseason impacts last season when he was dealt from Tennessee to Philadelphia.
Philadelphia's litany of issues in the secondary, and everywhere else on the field, prevented him from making a major impact.
That should not sour the anticipation for what he can do inside the Bears secondary.
Byard can still be one of the tougher safeties to play against in the NFL. His experience should also help Jaquan Brisker become a better player.
By signing Byard and retaining Johnson, the Bears strengthened their secondary and are more than equipped to deal with the passing attacks of their three NFC North rivals.
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