SAD NEWS: Giants’ running back commits suicide after his wife filed for divorce…
This season, the New York Giants will replace Saquon Barkley with a running back by committee rather than a new starter. The Giants put together an intriguing running back group this offseason that has the potential to be really productive in 2024.
The Giants will rely on Devin Singletary to carry the bulk of the load.
The New York Giants signed Devin Singletary to a three-year contract this offseason, and he will serve as the team’s starting running back. Singletary enjoyed a breakout season with the Houston Texans in 2023, racking up 986 running yards and five touchdowns.
Singletary was tremendously effective in Houston last season, possibly more efficient than Barkley was for the Giants. In 2023, Barkley ran for 962 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 2.91 yards after contact per attempt. He also forced 31 failed tackles and secured 51 first downs. Singletary averaged 2.88 yards after contact per attempt, resulting in 36 failed tackles and 44 first downs.
If Singletary can match those performances behind the Giants’ offensive line, the team’s rushing offense may improve this season. Last season, they averaged 110.2 rushing yards per game, which ranked them 16th in the NFL. Combining Singletary with other excellent rushers in the backfield might help New York improve its ranking.
Tyrone Tracy could be a dynamic change of pace back.
This summer, the Giants also drafted rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. from Purdue in the fifth round. Tracy, a former wide receiver, switched to running back in 2023 and had a successful final collegiate season at his new position. Excitement is building around Tracy, who might end up playing an important role as New York’s change-of-pace and receiving back this season.
In 2023, carried 716 yards and scored eight touchdowns. Tracy’s 90.5 Pro Football Focus rushing grade in 2023 placed him third among Big Ten running backs. He had a career PFF Elusive Rating of 133.80, placing him 10th among running backs picked in Round 5 or earlier since 2018. Tracy caused 46 missed tackles in 2023.
Tracy, who previously played wide receiver, is likely to start his career as a scat back, catching screens and running routes out of the backfield. Meanwhile, Singletary will handle the majority of the totes and run between the tackles as the Giants’ primary rushing back.
Fans should not forget about Eric Gray, either. The Giants’ fifth-round choice from last year’s draft is entering his second season and may see increasing usage as the team adopts a committee system.