Running Back

     The Running Back, some would call them the "workhorse" of the offense. When you need a go-to on first down, they are the player you go to, or at least they were. Over the last half-decade, the value of the running back position has changed immensely. Going from a very valued position to now a position that is easily replaceable in executives' eyes. The Giants went through this issue last year with Star RB Saquon Barkley. Saquon was coming off his best year in recent memory but the Giants didn't want to pay him what he was asking for and thus gave him the franchise tag. Other running backs in the league were given the same thing, but this won't be about them, this is about the Giants' running back room.

    Speaking of Saquon, let's talk about him. Saquon Barkley, was the man who gave Giants fans something to look forward to every Sunday, until he started to get hurt every year. Saquon's career started strong, getting the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2018 and being selected to that year's Pro Bowl. His second season saw a drop in production, mainly due to a high ankle sprain in the middle of the year. In his 3rd season, Saquon suffered a torn ACL injury in an early season game against the Chicago Bears, thus ending his season. He came back the following year but it was obvious he wasn't fully ready yet. In his 5th year, Saquon returned to form with numbers similar to his rookie year. He then followed it up this last year with a solid performance but nothing special. As the off-season begins, it's become clear Barkley will not play on the franchise tag again, and it seems GM Joe Schoen agrees. Barkley will likely hit the open market and leave a hole in the Giant's offense that hasn't been there in a while. It is also just as likely Barkley signs a deal with Big Blue and returns and he has made it obvious he wishes to stay with the team his whole career. Whether or not he stays or goes, I will always root for Saquon as a Giants fan.

    Next up is the veteran Matt Breida. Breida signed with the Giants in 2022 and would be the team's backup for Saquon Barkley. Breida has been okay throughout his career, mostly used in running back committees for the teams he played for. He is going to be an FA in 2024 and most likely will not be back with the Giants. Wherever he goes we wish him luck.

    Finally, we have the rookie Eric Gray out of Oklahoma. Gray was low on the depth chart for the Giants, sitting behind Barkley and Breida, but when he did play he showed some good things. He runs with a motor and hits the gaps hard. With Barkley and Breida hitting free agency, Gray as it currently stands will be the starter next year. Gray doesn't seem to be made as a lead back but you never know, surprises happen every year. Maybe Gray will be a standout, or maybe the Giants draft an RB to start over him. All will be known in due time.

    The Giants are more likely to seek running back help in free agency rather than the draft this year. They have too many holes to fill to use a draft pick on an RB, so I feel with how many RBs are in FA they will make a move there. So which running backs in FA are good fits for what the Giants are looking for? Obviously, Saquon Barkley would be the best outcome. Keeping him in East Rutherford keeps continuity for the offense as well as keeping him as the face of the team, but as discussed it may not be likely. A name I really like is D'Andre Swift. He had a mixed time with Detroit and was replaced by David Montgomery and Jahmyrr Gibbs last year, went to Philadelphia and was doing well until he got hurt. Swift is a back that fits well with any offense. He's great at running between the tackles as well as in the passing game. He isn't a game changer but sometimes you just need someone dependable to get the offense going and Swift can provide that

    Here are some D'Andre Swift highlights from this past year showing off what he can do. Credit to moodypauledits  for the video (The NFL I believe copyright strikes media like this so you may have to go to the original link to watch the video).

    Other notable FA RB's that can fit the Giant's cap space are Ravens RB Gus Edwards, Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Browns RB Kareem Hunt. Overall the Giants have a question mark at Running back to address this off-season with plenty of scenarios that could happen. Whatever happens, it will hopefully be the best option for them. The next post I will cover the Giants WR corp and potential changes during the off-season for the Giants.