In their bid to revitalize the backfield, the New York Giants signed veteran Devin Singletary to a three-year, $16.5 million deal. Singletary, who previously played for the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills, brings experience and a working relationship with GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, from their time in Buffalo together.
However, his signing alone hasn’t assured the Big Blue fanbase that a complete solution is in place. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Giants also brought in Tyrone Tracy Jr., a former receiver-turned-running back from Purdue.
Though Tracy has only one season of full-time running back experience, the Giants took a chance on him in the fifth round. Despite the potential he brings, Tracy Jr. might not be the immediate answer to Barkley’s absence.
New York Giants Missing MarShawn Lloyd
Reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler highlight the Giants’ intention to draft USC running back Marshawn Lloyd, but they were unable to secure him due to a gap in their draft picks between Nos. 71 and 107. By the time the Giants were back on the clock, Lloyd had been selected at No. 88 by the Green Bay Packers, leaving New York without the future leadback they envisioned.
Fowler explained that the Giants were not the only NFC East team interested in Lloyd. The Dallas Cowboys also had him on their radar but ultimately passed on the USC standout, opting instead for linebacker Marist Liufau. The Packers, recognizing Lloyd’s value, snapped him up swiftly.
🦅 Jalen Hurts
🦅 Saquon Barkley
🦅 AJ Brown
🦅 DeVonta Smith
🦅 Dallas GoedertYou thinking the GIANTS will win?! Y’all are getting your ASS KICKED#FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/pIjwm1VuGZ pic.twitter.com/OL2d8AGtP8
— Carl 🐍 (@ProjectHurts) May 3, 2024
MarShawn Lloyd’s Potential Impact
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had ranked Lloyd as the top running back and 56th overall prospect on his list of the top 150 draft candidates. Despite his impressive ranking, he slipped to the Packers at No. 88, leaving the Giants wondering what might have been if they’d had a draft pick in that range.
Lloyd’s versatility and productivity were evident in his final season at USC. He amassed 1,052 scrimmage yards (820 rushing and 232 receiving) and nine touchdowns on 129 touches. With such performance stats, he was seen as a high-impact player who could help transform a backfield.
New York Giants Moving Forward
The Giants’ current mix of Singletary, Tracy Jr., second-year player Eric Gray, and Gary Brightwell leaves questions about their effectiveness in filling Barkley’s shoes. The new backfield configuration will undoubtedly be under scrutiny as the season unfolds.
Giants fans will watch closely to see if their team can muster enough offensive firepower or if they’ll regret missing out on Lloyd, who seemed like the perfect fit.
In the meantime, New York’s coaching staff must work diligently to integrate their new pieces and mold them into a formidable unit capable of competing in the NFC East, where divisional rivalry with Barkley’s new Eagles team looms large.
