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The New York Giants are facing a potential nightmare scenario in 2024 with the potential loss of Saquon Barkley in free agency. Barkley has made it clear that he does not want another franchise tag and could be looking to leave the Giants. In this situation, the Giants may consider replacing Barkley with D’Andre Swift, a running back from their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus has proposed this move, stating that Swift would be a suitable alternative to Barkley. Spielberger points out that Swift showed growth in 2023, demonstrating improved decision-making and pass-catching ability. He also provides PFF statistics, highlighting Swift’s ability to force missed tackles and gain yards after contact.
Swift thrived behind the Eagles’ strong offensive line, something the Giants lack. However, his speed and versatility would still be valuable assets for the Giants if Barkley departs. Swift is coming off a successful season, rushing for over 1,000 yards and averaging five yards per carry.
The Giants struggled with their ground game this season, averaging only 4.1 yards per attempt as a team, with Barkley averaging 3.9 yards per rush. The offensive line’s struggles limited Barkley’s opportunities to showcase his skills, unlike Swift, who was able to exploit holes in the defense.
Adding Swift to the Giants’ roster would bring a big-play dimension to their ground game. His explosiveness and ability to make quick cuts would complement the team’s offense and provide a much-needed boost. Ideally, the Giants would be able to pair Swift with Barkley, forming a formidable rushing attack that would alleviate pressure on quarterback Daniel Jones. However, it is more likely that the Giants will have to choose between the two running backs to lead their backfield.
Barkley’s Future with Giants in Doubt
It seems that Barkley’s time at MetLife Stadium is coming to an end. The Giants and Barkley are unlikely to want a repeat of last year’s drama. General manager Joe Schoen made the decision to pay Jones instead of Barkley, leaving Barkley with a reworked version of the tag. However, Barkley is not interested in being tagged again and is now a strong candidate to enter the market. There are already rumors of other teams, including an AFC West franchise, showing interest in the 27-year-old running back.
In an interview with ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Barkley admitted that he understands the business side of the NFL and is prepared for whatever happens this year. He expressed that he has always wanted to be a Giant, but he knows that things may not work out that way. Barkley’s future is uncertain, and if Schoen can find a cheaper option like Swift to fill the RB1 position, Barkley may find himself playing for another team.
Stay tuned for updates on Barkley’s situation as it unfolds.