The 2023 NFL Draft didn’t get off to a great start for running back D’Andre Swift. He watched his team, the Detroit Lions, select Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick. That created a major logjam in the backfield as the team also signed free agent running back David Montgomery to a three-year deal.
The writing was on the wall for D’Andre Swift, who was reportedly drawing trade interest immediately after the Gibbs selection was announced. It is easy to see why other teams would inquire about him as the Georgia product is a true dual threat.
A little undersized for a true workhorse role, evident by the nagging injuries that he battles every season. But, when on the field, he produces some solid numbers averaging 4.6 yards per carry in his career and catching 156 passes.
Things took a turn for the better when it was announced that the Lions traded D’Andre Swift. He couldn’t have asked for a much better landing spot, as he was sent to the Philadelphia Eagles, along with the No. 249 pick in exchange for the No. 219 pick and a 2025 fourth-rounder.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, D’Andre Swift is a nice addition to a Philadelphia backfield that lost Miles Sanders in free agency. Rashaad Penny was signed to help offset his loss, but Penny is tough to trust availability-wise. Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell are the other running backs on the roster and D’Andre Swift is an upgrade on both in the passing game.
However, was close to calling another franchise home for the 2023 season. According to TheOBR via Dov Kleiman on Twitter, the Cleveland Browns were exploring a trade for D’Andre Swift before he was dealt to the Eagles.
The Browns are in the market for a backup to Nick Chubb, who handles all of the early down work. A player as adept in the passing game catching targets and blocking as D’Andre Swift would have been an excellent addition to pair with Chubb.
The asking price wasn’t very high as the draft pick won’t convey for two more years. That is how the rich get richer as Howie Roseman put on yet another masterclass during this year’s draft finding value and filling faps on the roster.
