One of the notable subplots to this year’s free agency crop is the bumper crop of running backs testing the market this off-season.
The likes of Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard and Austin Ekeler make this one of the deepest running back classes in years, in a position where many of the leading talents feel they have been underpaid in recent seasons.
This year’s set of free-agent runners will now put their money where their collective mouth is, although the number of players available could well see supply outstrip demand and temper prices accordingly.
One team that appears to be wasting no time in attacking the market is the Chicago Bears.
Shortly after the NFL’s free agency negotiating period began on Monday, the NFL Network reported that the Bears have agreed terms with former Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift on a three-year, $24million contract.
Swift spent last season with the Eagles after spending three years with the Detroit Lions, registering a career-high 1,049 rushing yards and earning a first trip to the Pro Bowl.
Teams cannot confirm any transactions until the official start of free agency, which commences on Wednesday at 4pm ET (8pm UK), but players’ representatives are now free to open talks with teams.
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