1,000-yard running back and impending free agent D’Andre Swift was one of the bright spots on the 2023 Philadelphia Eagles. Acquired from the Detroit Lions in exchange for a late-round pick, the former second-round selection had the best season of his career with his new team. After playing a minimal role in Week 1, Swift took the starting job in Week 2 and never looked back. Appearing in 16 games while making 15 starts, the running back finished the season with 1,049 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 229 attempts while adding 214 yards and a score on 39 receptions. This was an impressive season, but he could’ve easily had more rushing touchdowns had Jalen Hurts not had so many short-yardage touchdowns come via the Tush Push.
Even though the Eagles crashed and burned down the stretch, Swift remained a reliable option throughout the season and earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. After effectively being replaced in Detroit, D’Andre Swift has proven he has what it takes to be one of the best starting running backs in the NFL, and he should have a decent free agent market. Recently, the running back spoke on his future, saying that “time will tell” if he’ll be back or not, but he also added that Philadelphia is a special place to play.
D’Andre Swift on if he’ll back with #Eagles: “We’ll see.. If the opportunity presents itself, we’ll see when we get there. Time will tell.”
Asked what was special about playing here: “Everything.” pic.twitter.com/fM2GwJDj45
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) January 17, 2024
Free Agent D’Andre Swift: “Time Will Tell” If I Return to Eagles
From the outside looking in, it appears D’Andre Swift and the Philadelphia Eagles have a real chance of avoiding the free agent process altogether. Even with Jason Kelce possibly retiring, the Eagles should have one of the best offensive lines in football, and any running back should savor the opportunity to play in this system. Additionally, the 2023 season proved that Swift fits the scheme, and the Eagles don’t have a young heir ready to take the starting job. On paper, this looks like an easy reunion.
However, there are a few reasons that D’Andre Swift might test the free agent market. The Eagles are one of the biggest believers in positional value, and running back is arguably the least important position in the game. Last year, the team let Miles Sanders walk because they felt they could find a more cost-effective starter, and they were right. Running back salaries are going down, so Swift might not break the bank. However, there is a real chance that he’ll be the best free agent running back on the market, and if that happens, the Eagles might not feel like getting in a bidding war for his services.
Additionally, there is also the uncertainty surrounding head coach Nick Sirianni. As of this posting, the Eagles have yet to announce whether or not Sirianni will be back for another season. If the two sides part ways, then there is a chance that the new head coach won’t be a fan of Swift’s game. No matter what happens, somebody will be interested in D’Andre Swift, and these five teams make the most sense as free agent destinations.
Top Free Agent Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have had a difficult time keeping their running backs healthy. Over the past three years, the team has lost J.K. Dobbins (multiple times), Keaton Mitchell, and Gus Edwards to various season-ending ailments. While Edwards has done a solid job filling in this year, there is no denying that this team could use a better running back. D’Andre Swift is a perfect free agent fit for this team, as his elusive style of play meshes well with Lamar Jackson’s running style. Opposing defenses always need to devote a man to stopping Jackson, which means that Swift will have more open running room.
New England Patriots
For the first time in 24 years, Bill Belichick is not in charge of the New England Patriots. However, the team retained the majority of the front office decision-makers and promoted a homegrown talent in Jerod Mayo to head coach, so it’s safe to say that the team will probably carry a similar philosophy in 2024. Belichick preferred a running back by committee, and with Ezekiel Elliott hitting free agency, New England could decide to upgrade Rhamondre Stevenson’s running mate. The Patriots have a lot of issues to fix on the offensive side of the ball, but with a top-three pick and over $70 million in cap space, they can afford to splurge on a running back.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon is one of the top running back cap casualties in the league, which means that the Cincinnati Bengals are going to be in the market for a new starter. Chase Brown played well in a limited sample, but it’s hard to imagine Cincinnati completely turning over the backfield to him. D’Andre Swift is an ideal free agent fit, as the former second-round pick proved he can handle a large workload with his 268 touches last year. The Bengals love using a workhorse back, and Swift is far more explosive than Mixon at this point in their respective careers.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings moved on from Dalvin Cook because they believed they had a starting-caliber back in Alexander Mattison. The 2023 season proved that they were wrong. Mattison was one of the least efficient running backs by just about every metric out there, and the film backed up his lackluster production. No matter what happens with Kirk Cousins, this team needs an actual starting running back, and D’Andre Swift might be the free agent for the job. This team has postseason aspirations and will need a loaded roster to compete in the suddenly competitive NFC North.
Los Angeles Chargers
At his peak, Austin Ekeler was one of the most dangerous dual-threat running backs in the game. Unfortunately, as is so often the case with running backs, Ekeler’s peak only lasted a few seasons. The running back lacked his usual burst last year, as age has seemingly caught up with the former undrafted free agent. With Ekeler set to hit the free agent market, the team could pivot away from their homegrown talent and go after a younger D’Andre Swift. The Chargers are probably going to hire Jim Harbaugh, and he the type of coach that likes having a three-down running back. Los Angeles might have some difficulty making the money work, but they have a few wide receiver cap casualties on the roster.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel – USA Today Sports
