The Eagles’ status of the franchise Running backs

Despite running a pass-first system for the bulk of the 2023 season, the Philadelphia Eagles developed running back D’Andre Swift into a Pro Bowl player.

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith ruled the air, while quarterback Jalen Hurts remained dependable as a chain mover and short-yardage scorer (15 running touchdowns).

Swift led the Eagles in rushing with 1,049 yards, the first time he has done so in the NFL, but Miles Sanders did the same behind Philadelphia’s heralded offensive line in 2022. He joined Carolina as a free agent last offseason.

Kenneth Gainwell (364 yards rushing) and Boston Scott (86 yards) helped Philadelphia on a few plays each game in 2023. Meanwhile, Rashaad Penny, who was signed as a free agent to a one-year, $1.35 million contract last offseason, received only 12 touches this season.

Swift, Scott, and Penny are all pending free agents, leaving Gainwell as the Eagles’ only running back under contract in 2024.

Here are the Eagles’ alternatives at a position that NFL teams have discounted over the last decade.

Re-signing D’Andre Swift

According to Spotrac, Swift would earn $6.7 million per year on a four-year contract worth approximately $27 million. The 25-year-old Philadelphia native is expected to receive the majority of the carries if he re-signs with the Eagles. Swift is a top-10 rushing talent who will most likely be compensated accordingly, regardless of where he signs.

Free agency.
According to DraftKings, the Eagles have the third-best chance of signing veteran Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, a pending free agency. DraftKings offers the Ravens the highest chance of signing the eight-year veteran, who former NFL player and ESPN commentator Robert Griffin III sees as a good fit for Baltimore.

According to Spotrac, Henry would command a one-year deal worth approximately $10.3 million. He has a lot of mileage, but his production (4.7 yards per carry during his career) cannot be overlooked.

Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who might be franchised again, could be another option. J.K. Dobbins, a Ravens running back who, like Swift, is 25, is a less expensive possibility, but relying on a guy who has suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries is probably too risky for the Eagles.

NFL Draft running back prospects

Howie Roseman, Philadelphia’s general manager, does not have a good track record of drafting running backs early. Furthermore, the Eagles have not picked a running back in the first round since taking Keith Byars with the 10th overall choice in 1986.

The Eagles are expected to draft a running back on Day 2 and/or Day 3 of the NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit. Prospects like Michigan running back Blake Corum, Notre Dame running back Audric Estime, and Florida State running back Trey Benson are anticipated to be mid-round picks.

Southern Mississippi running back Frank Gore Jr., son of the former NFL star running back, and South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis may be worth a late-round look.