The Washington Commanders may sign 1,000-yard running back and former Philadelphia Eagle, D’Andre Swift in free agency this month. The Commanders were ranked 27th in the NFL in rushing offense this past season, which signifies they could need a reliable running back. Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson have been significant at times throughout their tenure in Washington. However, Robinson has been slow in production last season rushing for just 733 yards and five touchdowns.
Gibson is set to hit the free agency so signing another back in free agency that can complement Robinson could be useful. Swift played all 16 games this past year and racked up 1,049 yards and five scores while logging 4.6 yards per attempt. He also acted as a receiver for the Eagles, catching 39 passes for 214 yards and reaching the endzone once. He probably won’t be back in Philadelphia due to the team’s cap casualty and no desire to splurge on a running back.
After releasing Safety Kevin Byard and possibly trading Haason Reddick, the Eagles don’t have a lot of spending money. The last thing on their mind is re-signing most of their players from last season. However, the Commanders have the highest salary cap availability to bring Swift in on a high-paid lucrative deal. The question is if he could replicate the same success he had with Philadelphia after being traded from Detroit during last year’s NFL 2023 Draft.
Swift adjusted smoothly to a new team that earned him his Pro Bowl nod for the first time in his career. The Eagles had one of the best offensive lines last season but with the release of starting Left Tackle Charles Leno, it seems like Washington is still rebuilding theirs.
The Washington Commanders are expected to have interest in signing Eagles free agent D'Andre Swift.
Swift had 1,049 yards rushing and 5 TDs this past season. pic.twitter.com/yT9mnVBF3Y
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 1, 2024
Washington Commanders May Sign 1,000 Yard Running Back D’Andre Swift
Could He Have the Same Success in Washington?
According to a source, the Commanders are currently exploring Swift as an option to help bolster Dan Quinn’s roster. Washington seems to be moving in a new direction with their new offense. The Commanders already may trade Sam Howell and snag a franchise quarterback like Caleb Williams in this year’s draft. However, they could keep Howell while whoever they draft gets to sit and learn for a year.
With the release of Tight End Logan Thomas, it seems like the Commanders are freeing up as much space to sign high-priced key starters to help bolster the team possibly. Swift could be one of them as the Commanders are still figuring out their quarterback situation. If Washington could piece who they want to sign together then expect the same replication of success from Swift.
Swift had a supporting cast in Philadelphia, but the Commanders could be his place to compete for one. He wasn’t a household name nor a starter in Detroit until he arrived in Philadelphia. It would be a lot for Swift to navigate if Washington offered him a huge contract.
Other Potential Destinations for Swift
If Washington isn’t ready and is still cleaning up house, then there are other options for Swift. He could be a good playmaker sharing snaps with Isaiah Pacheco in Kansas City. The Chiefs could use both Swift and Pacheco at the same time as pass catchers. He could be a good depth and signed on a cheap one-year deal if the Chiefs have enough money.
If the Baltimore Ravens don’t sign Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley in the market, then Swift could be an option. Earlier this season, there was a report that urged the Ravens to trade for Swift after losing J.K. Dobbins for the season. So teaming up with Lamar Jackson and being a reliable back with a complete team could intrigue Swift.
