The Philadelphia Eagles may contemplate replacing one of their key starters for the upcoming season.
According to the editorial team of Bleacher Report, the Eagles may have to replace running back D’Andre Swift after this season. The team’s leading rusher, along with Rashaad Penny and Boston Scott, will be a free agency, and Philadelphia will only have one running back under contract next season in Kenneth Gainwell.
Given that Philadelphia isn’t known for paying running backs well — they let former starting back Miles Sanders walk in free agency on a four-year, $25.4 million contract — Swift is likely to leave the Eagles after one season. The writing crew at BR offers Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards as a possible Swift replacement.
“Edwards shouldn’t command top dollar in free agency since he’s turning 29 in April. Also, he’s been successful working in a rotating backfield with the Ravens. He’d be a good option as the power back in Philly.”
Why Eagles Could Consider Signing Gus Edwards
Edwards has performed admirably in a rotating backfield in Baltimore. The 28-year-old running back has only played 43% of the offensive snaps this season, but he has carried for 10 touchdowns, which ranks fourth in the NFL. While his 4.2 yards per run this season aren’t very impressive, he has previously demonstrated big-play ability, finishing in the top ten in yards per carry three consecutive seasons between 2018 and 2020.
Edwards averaged at least 5.0 yards per rush in each of those three seasons.
The 28-year-old is currently earning a shade under $3.4 million this season and has never earned more than $4.75 million in a single season. According to Spotrac, Edwards’ market value is merely $3.6 million per season, which would rank 23rd among all running backs. That salary range is right in the Eagles’ territory considering Swift is currently earning a shade under $1.8 million this season as part of his rookie contract.
Why Eagles Could Allow D’Andre Swift to Walk as Free Agent
According to Spotrac, Swift’s market value is expected to be $5.4 million per year across four seasons at a shade under $22 million.
Swift’s increase in value isn’t surprising considering the season he’s having for the Eagles. The 24-year-old is averaging 4.8 yards per carry with 770 rushing yards and 34 catches. His rushing yards rank fourth in the league while his yards per carry rank 10th. Furthermore, his 34 catches rank 11th among all running backs.
Swift is clearly an important part of Philadelphia’s run-heavy offensive plan. However, prior to Swift’s arrival, the Eagles had shown to be successful, with Sanders leading the way. Sanders’ output has dropped to 3.1 yards per carry since leaving the Carolina Panthers — he averaged 4.9 yards per carry last season with the Eagles — the second-lowest number among all qualifying rushers.
Furthermore, Sanders is no longer the starter in Carolina; Chuba Hubbard is.
The Eagles lost one game last season and one game this season with Jalen Hurts as the starting quarterback.
As productive as Swift is, if he receives a large contract offer from an other team, the Eagles will almost certainly replace him.
