Pittsburgh, PA – April 20, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a splash in free agency by signing former Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift to a one-year, $9.3 million deal, as confirmed by ESPN on Monday.
The move is aimed at revitalizing an offense seeking new life after Najee Harris departed to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Swift, 26, joins Pittsburgh after a disappointing 2024 season with the Chicago Bears, where he averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry. His three-year, $24 million deal with Chicago was cut short when the Bears shifted focus to rookie RB prospect Ashton Jeanty, allowing Swift to hit the market.
“Swift’s potential remains sky-high despite last year’s dip,” said ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The Steelers needed a dynamic RB1 to complement Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, and Swift fits that bill. His 2023 Pro Bowl season with the Eagles (1,049 rushing yards, 5.0 yards per carry) showcased his ideal fit for Arthur Smith’s outside-zone scheme, unlike Harris’ less-explosive 3.9 YPC.
“He’s the speed we’ve lacked,” Smith told reporters at the NFL Combine.
💰 Contract & Fit
Swift’s $9.3 million deal was made possible through cap-space restructures (including D.K. Metcalf’s contract). Despite last season’s dip, he posted 1,263 scrimmage yards in 2024, offering valuable versatility.
“This signing screams playoff push,” noted NFL analyst Matt Miller.
Though made expendable by Chicago, Swift’s durability (only 1 missed game in 2 years) makes him a dependable option. Behind Pittsburgh’s improved O-line (led by Broderick Jones), his signature explosive cuts — like in his 229-yard receiving season in 2022 with Detroit — could resurface.
“Swift’s a game-changer in our system,” said Steelers GM Omar Khan.
Swift’s speed could relieve pressure from Pittsburgh’s 19th-ranked passing game, offering balance to an offense featuring deep-threat D.K. Metcalf. As Pittsburgh eyes ending its eight-year playoff win drought, this move marks a significant step toward contention in 2025.
