Philadelphia Eagles face the potential departure of a crucial starter to the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. Michael Ginnitti from Spotrac anticipates the Eagles re-signing D’Andre Swift with a proposed three-year, $18 million deal. However, Ginnitti suggests that if Philadelphia opts not to extend Swift’s contract, the San Francisco 49ers are likely to express interest in acquiring Swift.
Ginnitti explains that Philadelphia has historically treated the running back position as a revolving door, making a multi-year extension less predictable. Despite this, he emphasizes the importance of retaining Swift and points out that if the Eagles allow him to enter free agency, the San Francisco 49ers, particularly under the coaching of Kyle Shanahan, could be a formidable suitor, seeking a suitable complement to Christian McCaffrey.
Spotrac indicates that Swift’s average annual value stands at $5.4 million over four seasons, totaling $22 million, slightly below Ginnitti’s projected $6 million average. Since joining the Eagles through a draft day trade from the Detroit Lions, Swift has become the team’s primary running back. He outshone Kenneth Gainwell early in the season, displaying impressive performances, such as a season-high 175 rushing yards against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.
Swift’s success is evident in his rankings, sitting third in rushing yards and tenth in yards per attempt in the NFL. Pro Football Focus assigns him solid offensive and rushing grades of 64.1 and 69.2, respectively, for the current season.
Despite Swift’s integral role in the Eagles’ 9-1 record, the team historically places a lower value on running backs. This approach is evident in their decision to let Miles Sanders, a former starting running back, depart in the previous offseason. Sanders secured a lucrative deal with the Carolina Panthers, but the move proved wise for the Eagles, as Sanders lost his starting position and is having a subpar season.
Martin Frank of Delaware Online emphasizes that the combined salaries of Swift, Gainwell, Rashaad Penny, and Boston Scott are less than what the Panthers are paying Sanders this year. Frank suggests that unless the Eagles change their stance on paying running backs, it is likely that Swift will explore other options in free agency.
The article concludes by highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the Eagles’ approach to running back contracts in the upcoming offseason. Retaining Swift would require a shift in their philosophy, and failure to do so might result in Swift joining the San Francisco 49ers, a formidable rival for the Eagles.