The 2023 NFL free agency period is firing off at a breakneck pace. While some players will return to their current teams, most players, especially the larger names, will look for a potential new landing spot, as is the case with RB Devin Singletary.
As one of the biggest names at his position after spending his rookie contract with the Buffalo Bills, what are some possible landing spots for Singletary for the 2023 season?
Devin Singletary Agency Best Fits
Despite James Cook’s presence in 2022, Singletary remained underpaid and one of the better values on the roster. He was the RB1 for the Bills, rushing 177 times for 819 yards with five touchdowns, accounting for 61% of the running back attempts.
He also saw 47% of the RB targets, despite Cook being the best pass-catching back of the class. Singletary set a new career high with 52 targets (9.4%), catching 38 passes for 280 yards with another score.
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Now a free agent, Singletary carries an estimated value of $5.5 million on a three-year deal, according to Spotrac. The RB position has increasingly decreased in value outside of the few elite options as the NFL moves further away from the “bell cow” role to a committee.
Now, Singletary can find the best fit for himself while bringing a proven skill set to his new landing spot during free agency.
Could Singletary Find His Way to New York?
One intriguing free agency scenario which could be considered the best fit is Singletary staying in-state with the New York Giants. While New York placed the franchise tag on Barkley, a reunion with HC Brian Daboll could be possible.
Thanks to the health of Barkley, the combination of Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell rushed just 85 times for 361 yards with two touchdowns while receiving 33 targets in the passing game.
Securing Singletary would not only give the Giants one of the best backfield duos in the NFL — if not the best — but it would also provide New York flexibility in how they use Barkley. Additionally, it helps create leverage in case the two sides can’t come to a long-term deal following the 2023 season when Barkley’s franchise tag expires.
Would the Jaguars Consider Signing Singletary During Free Agency?
There are always signings you never see coming. Jacksonville was one of the best stories last year. After a tumultuous season under Urban Meyer, Doug Pederson came in a helped turn the tides and direction of the franchise while capitalizing on the skill sets of Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, Christian Kirk, and Evan Engram.
With James Robinson an unrestricted free agent, the Jaguars might look to bring in more depth to the backfield to complement Etienne while also saving wear and tear on his body.
Etienne missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury but played in all 17 games last year (12 starts), recording 1,125 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 35 receptions, and 316 receiving yards. When asked at the NFL Combine if the team was considering adding to the backfield, Pederson had a straightforward answer.
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“Yes. I think in today’s game, you’ve got to have two to three guys,” Pederson explained. “They’ve got to be able to carry the load. You’re talking about an 18-week, 17-game schedule and the postseason. It’s wear and tear on guys.”
Singletary would make for a perfect complement and serve as both a two-down back and someone who can cash in from short-area situations. Plus, he’d add more help in the receiving game. It’s Jacksonville’s division to lose, and adding Singletary would only help build off their momentum.
Singletary Could Choose Carolina as the Best Fit for Him in Free Agency
It’s certainly worth considering the Carolina Panthers as a potential destination for Singletary. Carolina has a decision to make at the running back position this offseason as D’Onta Foreman is a free agent. After a disappointing start to his career, Foreman put together back-to-back productive seasons for the Titans in 2021 and the Panthers last year.
During the 2022 season, Foreman had 914 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns and had five games over 100 rushing yards in the final 10 contests.
With Duce Staley now the running back coach after helping turn the position into strength for the Lions, I would expect a similar philosophy of wanting to run a committee approach. The way things stand, Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear are the only running backs under contract.
A veteran like Singletary would help secure the position and give whoever will be under center a bit of help, given the overall lack of playmakers on the offense.
Singletary Could Be an Insurance Policy for the Denver Broncos
On the opening day of free agency, the Broncos announced they were signing Samaje Perine, but they might not be done. Although Javonte Williams has looked sensational, there are serious concerns about his health following a devastating knee injury last season, which resulted in multiple torn ligaments.
Broncos general manager George Paton said during his press conference at the NFL Combine that Williams is on track for Week 1. However, there’s been quite a bit of speculation to suggest Williams is actually further behind what the team wants to let out.
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“The most fascinating nugget about Denver (and possibly of the whole combine) was about Javonte Williams’ health, and I’m told there is a VERY wide range of possibilities regarding his return,” NBCSports Analyst Matthew Berry wrote. “There is a chance he is healthy to start the year. There is a chance he misses multiple games. And there is actually a chance he misses all of next year.”
Singletary would be a prime candidate to bring into Denver and one I would consider a best fit for him. The only running backs currently on the roster are recently signed Perine and an unproven Tyler Badie, who saw two touches as a rookie. Singletary is a more than capable running back and can work both as the No. 1 and the 1B, as demonstrated during his time in Buffalo.