D’Andre Swift, RB
The Detroit Lions surprised everyone this offseason with their approach to roster construction, at least in the backfield. Earlier this spring, the Lions gave a three-year commitment to David Montgomery and then followed that up with the draft selection of Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall in the first round on Thursday night in Kansas City.
While Gibbs is talented and Montgomery may fare well, it does leave D’Andre Swift without an obvious chair in which to sit after the music has stopped. Teams are already calling about Swift’s availability but with a draft class full of new running backs incoming, the Lions still don’t have much leverage. That said, Swift’s skill set is just what the doctor ordered in K.C., at least if he can remain healthy.
On paper, Swift is a definite upgrade over Jerick McKinnon as a pass-catching back to work in tandem with Isiah Pacheco. But it’s not a slam dunk given the cost of Swift’s rookie deal in its final season to go with the shadow of McKinnon who could be brought back fairly easily.