Saquon Barkley, a standout running back, could leave the New York Giants in free agency this offseason. The Giants would prioritize adding a running back in free agency if Barkley decided to walk. The Giants might be well-suited to one well-known player in the NFC East come free agency.
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Giants designated D’Andre Swift as their top free agent target.
This offseason, rushing back D’Andre Swift of the Philadelphia Eagles will also be a free agency; the Giants might be a suitable fit for the 25-year-old rusher. Big Blue was recently ranked by Pro Football Focus as one of Swift’s best free agency landing spots:
Brad Spielberger of PFF commented, “If the Giants decide to move on from Saquon Barkley, they could pivot to another former top draft pick who played in their division the previous year.” Swift demonstrated improvement in 2023 by hitting the intended hole and avoiding bouncing outside too frequently, an area in which Barkley has also made progress over time. Swift also possesses pass-catching ability.
Do the Giants want to pursue Swift?
In 2023, Swift had a breakthrough campaign. With 1,049 rushing yards, he broke his previous career high of 617 (2021) by a significant amount. With 50 first downs and five touchdowns on the ground this season, Swift established himself as an effective starting running back for the Eagles. This season, he has also contributed 214 yards and one touchdown from reception.
It would be tough for New York to lose Barkley, but Swift could replace a good portion of his output. Swift did, after all, end the season with more overall yards from scrimmage and rushing yards than Barkley. This season, Swift attended the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
Swift, a 2020 second-round selection by the Detroit Lions, struggled in his first three seasons of the league to live up to the hype. However, Swift benefited from the change of scenery and established himself as one of the league’s top runners after being dealt to the Eagles this past summer.
Could Swift’s signing cost the Giants?
Swift will be able to reap the financial rewards of this successful campaign this offseason. According to Spotrac’s estimated market worth, he should be able to negotiate a contract this offseason that will pay an average of $6.7 million year. Even if it seems high for a running back, this would probably be a little amount compared to what the Giants would have to pay Barkley in the offseason.
In the event that Barkley is released by the Giants, Swift might be the ideal addition this offseason. Having recently finished his first season with 1,000 yards rushing, he is a top-tier rusher who is only 25 years old. Swift might be Barkley’s ideal replacement.
