In the span of 24 hours in March, the Bears handed out $59.1 million to three veterans whom they believed would be critical in getting future quarterback Caleb Williams on his feet quickly as a rookie.
The Bears officially signed running back D’Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million deal and tight end Gerald Everett to a two-year, $12 million contract on March 13, and a day later sent a fourth-round pick to the Chargers for receiver Keenan Allen. The Bears agreed to pay the last year of his contract, worth, after a roster bonus, $23.1 million.
Three weeks into the season, the Bears haven’t gotten their money’s worth.
• Allen had four catches for 29 yards in Week 1 and missed the last two weeks because of a heel injury.
• Swift is averaging 1.8 yards per carry, the lowest among all NFL running backs with seven or more carries.
• Everett has three catches for — wait for it — zero yards.
Allen has the best chance to change the narrative. He returned to practice Wednesday, albeit on a limited basis, in his first on-field work since he played in the Bears’ season opener.
The six-time Pro Bowl receiver been dealing with a heel injury since last month. It got noticeably worse against the Titans, forcing the Bears to shut him down for two weeks. He worked out with the Bears’ rehab group over the weekend with hopes of playing Sunday against the Rams.
“We hope it’s something that is gonna get better and stay better,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said.
The Bears need him. Eberflus praised the variety of targets the Bears have used this season — 10 — but Allen’s star power is sorely needed.
“He’s another weapon that we have available to us on the offense with a unique set of skills…” Eberflus said. “We’ve all seen him play. So we’re excited if that comes about, that he comes back.”