In the morning after their surprising decision to take Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall, especially after he was given a second-round grade, we’re now getting a clearer reason why the Detroit Lions took the Alabama Crimson Tide running back that high: D’Andre Swift is likely on his way out.
Per ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler on Friday, the Lions are receiving trade calls for the veteran running back. Now, the thoughts begin on who could gravitate toward Swift.
D’Andre Swift Landing Spots
For starters, Swift isn’t exactly a household name in the NFL. He’s never rushed for more than 618 yards in his career and hasn’t scored 20 rushing touchdowns.
However, the four-year veteran would give a team a younger option at age 24 and a back who has averaged more than four yards a carry each season. Swift has also proved to be versatile, recording 156 career catches for 1,198 yards and seven scores. He has 2,878 yards from scrimmage across three seasons.
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But in the wake of the Gibbs pick, Lions general manager Brad Holmes was immediately asked about Swift’s future.
“Yeah, I mean, D’Andre, he’s still on our roster,” he told reporters. “He’s still part of our team. He’s still under contract with us. He’s a dynamic football player. So, (taking Gibbs) hasn’t really changed the math there, yet. But, you know, it is early.”
This sounds like the nice version of saying a player will be dealt away. Especially with the words “yet” and “it is early” being used in Holmes’ rhetoric. But which teams are a hypothetical fit for Swift?
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were linked to Bijan Robinson if he fell to 26th overall. Gibbs was also mentioned as a projection by different mocks in the second round.
Neither was on the draft board — causing Dallas to rethink who they would want to assist Tony Pollard moving forward.
With Pollard being a runner and receiver, Swift would fit in perfectly as a back who can help spell the Pro Bowler and also give Mike McCarthy two receiving options out of the backfield.
Cincinnati Bengals
Would the Bengals be willing to swap Joe Mixon for Swift?
It would be considered a puzzling move if both backs were exchanged — as Mixon has had the more decorated career as a 2021 Pro Bowler and three-time 1,000-yard rusher. Mixon, however, has long been called a trade possibility throughout the offseason amid disputes with his contract.
Given the uncertainty of Mixon’s future, perhaps a move to land Swift would be on standby for Cincy.
Los Angeles Chargers
Staying with the theme of teams that could move their Pro Bowl back, now the Chargers come into play.
Austin Ekeler is still facing trade rumblings and is heading toward the final year of his contract. Ekeler, however, presented the idea of playing out his final contract season and then testing the free agency waters in 2024 during an appearance on Sirius XM radio earlier in April.
Swift would likely be worth a late pick if the Chargers want to bring him in. Perhaps a Swift and Ekeler pairing would be dynamic for the Bolts. Of course, it depends on if Ekeler is on the Chargers’ roster for the 2023 season.
Los Angeles Rams
Could Holmes work the Rams connection here? He was a scout for the team before taking the GM reins in the Motor City.
The Rams saw Cam Akers become rejuvenated with three straight 100-yard games. However, there isn’t much depth after him. And Akers is also entering a contract year.
Swift could be a Sony Michel-type move for the Rams, given Swift’s own ability to run and catch passes.
Denver Broncos
Sean Payton has used versatile backs before — a la Reggie Bush and Alvin Kamara in New Orleans. There’s also the situation involving Javonte Williams and if his knee will be healthy by Week 1.
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With Payton likely installing his offense in the Rockies, it’s a running back-friendly scheme that can promise up to 10 touches for a back. Perfect for Swift and perfect for a head coach who may need the backfield help.
Would Swift Break the Bank?
Swift is already entering the final season of his rookie deal and is set to have a base salary of $1,774,397. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2024.
His next suitor shouldn’t have an issue taking on that kind of salary, with it being less than $2 million. Swift would also be worth a mid-to-late-round selection from the Lions, especially given the fact he’s spent his career sharing the load — primarily with Jamaal Williams the last two seasons.
He’d be considered an inexpensive move, but one that clears room for Gibbs to become the new featured back in Detroit.