Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles had already been one of the consistent winners before Day 3 of the NFL Draft. It was on that third day though, that the team swung for the fences in a major way.
The trade for D’Andre Swift from Detroit turned many heads throughout football. Swift was a running back that has struggled to stay on the field throughout his career but possesses strong catching ability and good vision to pair nicely with the other top backs around the league.
But his return to the city in which he grew up was an opportunity that very few in football have ever gotten.
“I’m excited to be back home…I’m happy, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a great organization. This is a team that’s connected…these are guys that love each other. I’m excited to just be a piece of the puzzle,” Swift said to reporters Wednesday afternoon.
Although he may have felt betrayed by the Lions early selection of Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Swift has now landed in opportunity that could help save his career. With the amount of talent surrounding him, all eyes will be on how effective the 24-year old running back can be in this loaded Eagles’ offense.
D’Andre Swift is coming home
Swift’s excitement to be a part of the Eagles franchise was challenged only by the excitement the franchise had of bringing him home.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to get Swift, bring him back to Philly. He’s a guy that we’ve known for a long time. Even when he was in high school we were watching him. We knew what kind of player he was, and watched him through college. Really excited about that opportunity here,” general manager Howie Roseman said following the trade.
How will the Eagles’ backfield shake out?
Swift joins a very crowded running back room. The team signed Rashaad Penny to a one-year deal before the draft and has Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell as homegrown talents. For the veteran-savvy Swift, he’s just prepared to hit the ground running and leave his mark on the organization.
The newest Eagles’ RB is averaging 4.6 yards per carry throughout this career so far. Last season was one of his more efficient seasons as he ran for 542 rushing yards on 99 attempts which led to him averaging 5.5 yards per carry. His highest rushing yards total in a season is 617 which came in 2021.
“I’m so focused on coming in here and working. Every single day, just earn my keep. Whatever role they see for me will be something that I earn,” Swift stated.
Swift will need to earn his carries but running behind one of the most talented offensive lines in football will only help catapult his career to being one of the star runners in the league.
And it’s clear that the Eagles are ready to take that next step to become a continued winner with Swift in tow.
Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire
