After a season full of disappointments, the New York Giants’ offseason has already seen a flurry of activity. That activity is not likely to slow down until the draft is over at the end of April.
From coaching staff to player personnel, the Giants have some big decisions to make. One of the biggest decisions surrounds the running back position.
Saquon Barkley played last season on a modified version of the franchise tag. It was clear he wanted to stay in New York and the Giants wanted to keep him, but the entire situation was odd.
Still, Barkley suited up in blue this past season and played well considering what he had to work with. Now the season is over, though, and Barkley is set to become a free agent.
If the two sides can’t reach an agreement and Barkley tests the free agency waters, the Giants will have a gaping hole to fill. Pro Football Focus suggests Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift as a potential replacement, and it’s not a bad plan.
If the Giants elect to move on from Saquon Barkley, they could pivot to another former top draft pick who played in their division the past year. Swift showed growth in 2023, hitting the designed hole and not trying to bounce outside too often — an area Barkley has similarly improved in over the years — and offers pass-catching ability, as well.
Swift was fifth in rushing yards in the NFL in 2023. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2020 and traded to the Eagles in 2023, Swift is a similar back to Barkley in many ways, as PFF notes.
Should Barkley depart New York, Swift is certainly a solid option to replace him. The two sides have less than 30 days to decide which direction they will go.
