D'Andre Swift trade grades: Lions better with Jahmyr Gibbs; Eagles add to durability issues

Vinnie Iyer

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D'Andre Swift trade grades: Lions better with Jahmyr Gibbs; Eagles add to durability issues image

The Lions and Eagles were the two teams attached most to taking running backs early in the 2023 NFL Draft. After Detroit took Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs No. 12 overall and Philadelphia decided to pass on the position on Days 1 and 2, running back D'Andre Swift went on the move on Day 3.

Detroit overhauled its backfield after losing Jamaal Williams (Saints) in free agency and also signing David Montgomery (Bears) before taking Gibbs. The Eagles let Miles Sanders (Panthers) walk and replaced him at first with Rashaad Penny (Seahawks).

The Sporting News hands out grade for the Eagles' acquisition of Swift from the Lions:

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D'Andre Swift trade grades

Eagles receive:

  • RB D'Andre Swift
  • 2023 seventh-round draft pick (No. 249 overall)

Lions receive:

  • 2023 seventh-round draft pick (No. 219 overall)
  • 2025 fourth-round draft pick

Eagles grade: C

Swift no doubt has some explosive running skills and is a gifted receiver made to be effective in the open field. But what he isn't is durable and reliable as an early-down power back type.

That makes the move a little curious, given the Eagles have a good versatile young back in Kenneth Gainwell. What they needed was a less oft-injured back than Penny, whom Swift isn't.

Swift's upside is awesome behind the Eagles' run-heavy attack, playing off a strong run-blocking offensive line and an effective running QB in Jalen Hurts. But the Lions were wary of wanting to keep Swift before he hits free agency in 2024 because of his shaky availability. 

Lions grade: A

Just the fact Detroit got some return for Swift was a coup, given he was unsigned beyond 2023. The Lions will have no regrets moving on with a 1-2 punch of Gibbs and Montgomery behind their own elite run-blocking offensive line. 

The Lions definitely upgraded from Williams and Swift with Gibbs set up for feature back work as an explosive runner and receiver and Montgomery providing plus experienced relief. Swift was an easy dump because of his health issues.

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.