A team’s job is never done. There are always ways they can try to improve the roster. The Chicago Bears have done excellent work adding pieces over the past two months. Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift, Caleb Williams, and Rome Odunze are among the biggest highlights. However, there are still areas of depth with considerable question marks ahead of training camp. One that doesn’t get enough attention is wide receiver. Yes, the Bears added Allen and Odunze, but the situation behind them and D.J. Moore is still questionable.
Tyler Scott remains an unknown. Velus Jones is a kick returner. Dante Pettis and Nsimba Webster are fringe special teams guys. This group doesn’t offer comfort if somebody gets injured. That might explain why the Bears decided to make a notable signing after rookie minicamps. Among the many participants were three veteran tryout players. One of them is a receiver who has a history with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. The two spent time together in Seattle, during which he had his best season.
“Freddie Swain, receiver (6-0, 199)
Has appeared in 37 NFL games with 10 starts for the Seahawks (2020-21), Broncos (2022) and Dolphins (2022), catching 42 passes for 576 yards and six touchdowns … Was selected by Seattle in the sixth round of the 2020 draft out of Florida … Played in all 33 games his first two seasons with the Seahawks, catching 38 passes for 502 yards and six TDs … After being waived by Seattle as part of final cuts in 2022, he appeared in three games with the Broncos and one with the Dolphins … Spent part of last season on Miami’s practice squad.”
It isn’t entirely clear why Seattle moved on from him after his promising 2021 season when he had 345 yards and four touchdowns. Most of the blame likely goes to the team having to make room for 2nd round pick Dee Eskridge, rookie Dareke Young, and veteran Marquise Goodwin. Swain bounced between Denver and Miami between the middle of 2022 and the end of 2023. It isn’t a surprise he came to Chicago for a tryout. Waldron got the most out of him in Seattle. He likely hoped that relationship could get him in the door.
He was correct.
The veteran receiver looked good enough in drills to get a training camp invitation. Now, he will have to show his value this summer. While he does have the capability of being a receiver, his best hope for earning a main roster spot is through special teams. Swain has experience as both a kick and punt returner. He’s also done work on coverage units. All that experience will be tested on what is suddenly a competitive Chicago Bears roster. This will be an interesting subplot to follow.
