The New England Patriots have several glaring needs this offseason. One is to remake their offensive line, which surrendered sacks by the dozens. The other top need is to acquire edge players who can produce sacks.
Other positions of need include tight end, wide receiver, and running back. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has selected a very good running back, who they feel is a cut candidate, and he'd be a great addition to the Patriots. It's D'Andre Swift of the Bears.
The Patriots' running back room is in transition. They have veteran Rhamondre Stevenson, who's a solid if unspectacular back when he's not fumbling on a big contract. They also have last year's top rookie, TreVeyon Henderson. After them, there's not much.
Mike Vrabel needs to add a back or two for depth this offseason, especially if he trades Stevenson, which would be an astute move and could yield a solid draft pick in return. He's already released Antonio Gibson, and he should sign a good back in free agency and draft another. A back that Pro Football Focus thinks may be cut is the Bears' top back, D'Andre Swift.
D'Andre Swift would be a great Patriots' addition this offseason
Signing a top player in free agency is a good way to go, since it saves draft picks you'd use in a trade to acquire that player. If a top player at a position of need is on the market at a reasonable price, it's an optimum option.
PFF has chosen a cut candidate for all NFL teams and one would be an absolutely stellar addition to the Patriots.
"D'Andre Swift had the best season of his career in 2025. The former Eagles and Lions running back rushed for a career-high 1,217 yards and 10 touchdowns this past season, earning a career-best 83.0 PFF grade that placed ninth among running backs. Despite that, he could still be a cut candidate.
Swift is set to make $7.5 million in 2026, the final year of his contract, but the Bears could save $7.4 million by moving on from him.
Chicago's offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, and it can drop a cheaper option in behind that bunch. Swift would likely get interest on the open market after a strong campaign."
As PFF notes, the Bears are on the hook for $7.5M to keep Swift in 2026. That seems like a bargain since he topped 1000 yards on the ground and scored 10 total touchdowns. But if the Bears decide to cut ties, the Patriots should be all over paying Swift even more to come to Foxborough.
He immediately becomes their best back and may allow you to trade Stevenson and his huge salary for a decent draft pick.
Signing D'Andre Swift would be no-brainer by the Patriots if he's on the market
The 5'8", 204-pound Swift is a six-year veteran but still only 27. While six years is a lot of wear on a running back, he's still in top form. Mike Vrabel should pounce immediately if he becomes a cap casualty.
In fact, the thought of moving for Swift in a trade, perhaps for one of the Patriots' two fourth-round picks, would also be a sound strategy.
Swift ran for 1087 yards with a 4.9 yards per carry average and scored nine touchdowns on the ground. He also caught 34 passes for 299 yards and another score. He's a three-down back if he needs to be. The Patriots can't really release Stevenson this season, but they may get a team to bite on a trade. Even if not, he's eminently releasable after 2026, and Swift would be there then, as well.
If the opportunity presents itself, whether the Bears release Swift or are amenable to a trade, the Patriots should jump at the opportunity. Swift is a better back than Stevenson, and if paired with Henderson, would be a duo that could rock the NFL world.
Coach Vrabel should explore this scenario now and see if he can get Swift in the fold. It would be a great addition to a thin running back room.