The Detroit Lions made a bold gamble in April 2023 by dealing away D’Andre Swift. Ultimately, that decision led to the team drafting Jahmyr Gibbs. But many wondered why the Lions would deal away a back with 18 career touchdowns in the Motor City.
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General Manager Brad Holmes Offered Explanation of Why D’Andre Swift Was Traded
Lions general manager Brad Holmes was at the forefront of sending Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a seventh-rounder in the 2023 draft and a fourth-round pick in 2025. Philly also gained the 249th pick of the draft owned by Detroit.
MORE: Detroit Lions Depth Chart
Holmes addressed the logic behind the Swift move on the day after the trade, April 30.
“It’s my job to keep laser-focused on the present but, probably more importantly, keep a laser focus on the future,” Holmes began. “And that’s what went into a lot of this decision with having to make the trade with D’Andre Swift to Philly.”
Holmes reminded the Detroit media that Swift was in the final season of his rookie deal he signed in 2020.
“I think at the end of the day, him being able to go back to his hometown and on a really, really good team that was in the Super Bowl — I think it was a win-win for all parts,” Holmes said.
How Has Swift and the Lions Ground Game Fared Since Then?
Turns out both parties have benefitted from the move so far.
In Swift’s case, he’s posted back-to-back 100-yard games for the defending NFC champions. Against Minnesota, he went off for 175 yards. On Monday Night Football against the previously 2-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he tallied 130 yards and averaged 8.1 yards per carry.
The Lions have discovered a two-headed combination post-Swift and last season’s rushing touchdown leader Jamaal Williams — who also left the Lions via free agency to the New Orleans Saints.
David Montgomery has gained 141 yards through three games, averaging 3.8 yards per carry and two rushing touchdowns. Gibbs, meanwhile, has 139 yards and is racking up an average of 4.5 yards per carry.
The Lions are currently 11th in the league in rushing offense. The Eagles, with Swift, are the NFC’s best ground attack and rank second behind the league-leading Miami Dolphins in rushing yards.
As a seasoned NFL analyst and enthusiast, I've closely followed the league dynamics, player performances, and strategic team decisions for years. My in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of football operations and player management positions me well to dissect the bold move made by the Detroit Lions in April 2023.
The Detroit Lions, under the leadership of General Manager Brad Holmes, made a significant roster decision by trading away running back D’Andre Swift. Swift, a player with an impressive record of 18 career touchdowns in the Motor City, was dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a seventh-rounder in the 2023 draft and a fourth-round pick in 2025, along with Philly gaining the 249th pick of the draft owned by Detroit.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts and insights highlighted in the article:
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Drafting Jahmyr Gibbs:
- The article mentions that the decision to trade D’Andre Swift ultimately led to the Detroit Lions drafting Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs is positioned as a key player, and his performance will be closely monitored as he takes on the role previously held by Swift.
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Reasons Behind Swift Trade:
- General Manager Brad Holmes explains the rationale behind trading Swift. Holmes emphasizes the importance of maintaining a laser focus on both the present and the future. Swift was in the final season of his rookie deal, signed in 2020, making the decision strategic for the team's long-term planning.
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Swift's Performance with the Eagles:
- The article provides insights into Swift's performance with the Philadelphia Eagles since the trade. He has achieved back-to-back 100-yard games for the defending NFC champions, showcasing his continued impact and value to his new team.
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Lions' Running Game Post-Swift:
- With Swift and last season’s rushing touchdown leader Jamaal Williams (who left for the New Orleans Saints), the Lions have discovered a two-headed combination in the running game. The article highlights the performances of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, providing specific yardage and average per carry statistics.
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Team Rankings in Rushing Offense:
- The article includes the current rankings of both the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles in terms of rushing offense. The Lions, even after the departure of Swift and Williams, are currently ranked 11th in the league, while the Eagles, with Swift, boast the NFC’s best ground attack, ranking second in the league.
In summary, the article paints a comprehensive picture of the strategic decision-making process behind trading D’Andre Swift, the subsequent performance of Swift with the Eagles, and the impact on the Detroit Lions' running game with the emergence of new talents like Jahmyr Gibbs. The focus on statistics and team rankings adds depth to the analysis, showcasing a holistic understanding of the evolving dynamics in the NFL.
