D’Andre Swift is ‘poised’ to leave the Lions following the departure of Jahmyr Gibbs, according to reports.
Many in the league were surprised when the Detroit Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Running back D’Andre Swift was one player who the transfer was likely to have a significant impact on. Swift was said to be on the trading block ahead of the draft. After the Gibbs selection, that could become even more of a possibility.
Brad Holmes was questioned about Swift’s impact during a press conference following Detroit’s first-round game on Friday, April 28. As Colton Pouncy of The Athletic demonstrated in a tweet, he gave a fairly clear response that may have been very telling for the running back.
“Lions General Manager Brad Holmes on RB D’Andre Swift: “I mean, D’Andre is still on our roster.” He is still a member of our team. He’s still under our contract. He’s an exciting football player. “So, (the Gibbs selection) hasn’t really changed the math there yet, but, you know, it’s early,” Holmes said afterwards.
That doesn’t inspire confidence in Swift for those keeping score at home, and it could imply that the Lions will make a move at the position shortly. Swift will require a new contract after the 2023-24 season, and Dan Campbell stated last summer that the team was willing to “start over” with him.
Later that day, on Friday, April 28, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler claimed that the Lions have been accepting trade calls on Swift since the addition of Gibbs, and he could be on his way out of the team.
“According to sources, the Lions are receiving trade requests for running back D’Andre Swift, whose representatives have been in contact with the team about potentially joining another team.” “With Detroit’s selection of Jahmyr Gibbs, the talented Swift appears to be on his way out,” Fowler tweeted.
Swift may certainly be a part of the mix in 2023, and Gibbs could serve as a solid insurance policy for him. Swift has previously struggled with health, appearing in only 40 games with only 16 starts in his first three seasons in the league.
With David Montgomery and Joe Gibbs in the fold, the Lions could be seeking to move on from Swift in the coming days. Swift is now available to clubs in need of running backs such as the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and even the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lions’ D’Andre Swift Was Rumored on Trade Block
Could Swift now be on the move? It’s possible as the draft pushes on, and some rumors circulating on the internet might have identified him even before the draft as a key player to watch moving forward.
The Lions added David Montgomery this offseason on a three-year, $18 million dollar deal, so could that help make Swift available? It’s possible ahead of the draft according to Charlie Campbell of Walter Football.
Campbell addressed various rumors that had been circulating before of the draft. Swift’s name has been mentioned in trade discussions, and as a result, he could be someone to keep an eye on in the coming days.
“One player to watch this year is Lions running back D’Andre Swift. Teams have been calling Detroit to see if Swift is available after the franchise signed David Montgomery in free agency. Swift has played really well for Detroit when on the field, but has had a hard time staying healthy. Swift is in the last year of his contract, so teams probably won’t be willing to give up anything more than a mid-round pick. Swift will be an interesting player to monitor because some teams are interested in making a deal for the fourth-year pro,” Campbell wrote in the piece.
What could the Lions get for Swift? It’s possible the team could score a middle-round pick in 2023, such as a fourth-round selection. They might also be willing to take a 2024 selection in a trade to add for their future.
Lions Running Back Room Looking Stacked
It’s been an offseason of change for the Lions at running back, and with this latest development, it might not be done just yet.
After enjoying a solid 2022 season in which the team racked up 23 touchdowns and yards including yards per-game, the Lions didn’t re-sign Jamaal Williams and elected for a shakeup at the position.
Instead, Detroit added David Montgomery to the mix, claiming he could be a dynamic weapon. They’ll also bring it back with D’Andre Swift next season. Having said that, given Swift’s contract status, the backfield may have problems beyond 2024. He’s set to become a free agent soon.
Swift may or may not be in Detroit’s long-term plans now that Gibbs has joined the club.
