Rather than featuring a new lead back, the New York Giants are planning on deploying a running back by committee to replace Saquon Barkley this season. The Giants have constructed an intriguing running back committee this offseason that has the potential to be incredibly 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 off-season and he will take over as the teams are starting running back. Singletary had a breakout campaign with the Houston Texans in 2023, totaling 986 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Singletary was incredibly efficient in Houston last season — even arguably more efficient than Barkley was for the Giants. Barkley rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 2.91 yards after contact per attempt while forcing 31 missed tackles and securing 51 first downs in 2023. Singletary averaged 2.88 yards after contact per attempt, with 36 missed tackles forced and 44 first downs.
If Singletary can replicate those numbers behind the Giants’ offensive line, the team’s rushing attack could potentially improve this season. They averaged 110.2 rushing yards per game last season, ranking 16th in the NFL. Combining Singletary with other talented rushers in the backfield could help New York improve this ranking.
Tyrone Tracy could be a dynamic change of pace back
The Giants also added rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. out of Purdue in the fifth round of the draft this offseason. Tracy is a former wide receiver who converted to running back in 2023, turning in a productive final collegiate season at his new position. Excitement is beginning to generate and surround Tracy as he could wind up playing a significant role as New York’s change-of-pace and receiving back this season.
In 2023, rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns. Tracy’s 90.5 Pro Football Focus rushing grade in 2023 ranked third among Big Ten running backs. He posted a career PFF Elusive Rating of 133.80 which ranked 10th among running backs drafted since 2018 in Round 5 or earlier. Tracy forced 46 missed tackles in 2023.
With his background as a wide receiver, Tracy is likely to get involved early in his career as a scat back, catching screens and running routes out of the backfield. Meanwhile, Singletary will take the majority of the carries and run between the tackles as the Giants’ workhorse running back.
And fans should be careful not to forget about Eric Gray, either. The Giants’ fifth-round pick in last year’s draft is entering his second season and could see some increased usage with the team taking a committee approach.