Eagles lose Philly native to Bears, so what does that mean for their pursuit of a running back?

That was fast, or should we say Swift.

Just 10 minutes into the free-agent negotiating period, the Eagles learned that running back D’Andre Swift would not be returning for a second season with the team.

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That, of course, adds some real intrigue to their pursuit of a free-agent running back, which likely will include discussions with Giants’ star Saquon Barkley.

According to the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Swift is headed for the Windy City after agreeing to a three-year deal worth $24 million. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Philadelphia native and former St. Joseph’s Prep star will also get a $15.3 million signing bonus.

His average annual salary of $8 million will rank ninth among NFL backs. It also falls far short of what the top running backs like Barkley, Las Vegas’ Josh Jacobs and Dallas’ Tony Pollard will likely be seeking.

Pro Football Focus had Swift ranked as the sixth best running back in this free-agent class. It lists Barkley at the top of the class followed by Jacobs, Tennessee’s Derrick Henry, Pollard and Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers.

The market also includes Baltimore’s J.K. Dobbins and Houston’s Devin Singletary.

Swift, after being acquired from the Eagles in a trade with the Detroit Lions during the 2023 draft, established career highs with 1,049 rushing yards and 1,263 yards from scrimmage. He also scored six touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. At 25, he is the youngest of the premier free-agent running backs.

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Bob Brookover can be reached at rbrookover@njadvancemedia.com