Tag: Swift

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) heads to the goal line in the second quarter past Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith (3), Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Saquon Barkley jumps to Eagles for reported $37.5M deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Star running back Saquon Barkley switched NFC East clubs on Monday when he agreed to a deal with the rival Philadelphia Eagles.

The former New York Giants standout reportedly agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal that could eventually be worth $46.75 million. There is reportedly $26 million in guaranteed money.

Barkley’s $12.5 million annual average salary is currently fourth-highest among running backs, according to spotrac.

Barkley confirmed the news with two Eagles’ emojis on social media and then thanked New York fans in a follow-up post.

“Thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support over the past 6 years,” said Barkley, “forever grateful! Excited for the next chapter.”

Last week, the Giants declined to put the franchise tag on Barkley, the former No. 2 overall draft pick in 2018 who has rushed for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns on 1,201 carries in 74 games (all starts). He also has 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection figures to provide a jolt to the Philadelphia rushing attack that lost D’Andre Swift to the Chicago Bears earlier Monday.

Last season, Barkley rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns. He has three 1,000-yard campaigns in his six seasons. Barkley also caught 41 passes for 280 yards and four scores.

–Field Level Media

Reports: Bears, RB D’Andre Swift agree to $24M deal

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Running back D’Andre Swift agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract with the Chicago Bears on Monday, according to reports.

Just minutes into the negotiating period in free agency, Swift was linked to the Bears as the first strike at a position not expected to be a high priority for most teams because of the depth of the undervalued group.

The Bears used a rotation at running back last season with injuries limiting Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson.

Swift led the Eagles in rushing with a career-high 1,049 yards, which ranked fifth in the NFL, on 229 carries with five touchdowns in 2023. He caught 39 passes for 214 yards and one TD in his first pro season outside of Detroit.

The Lions drafted Swift in the second round, 35th overall, in 2020, and he rushed for 18 touchdowns in three seasons, but never had more than 151 carries in a season.

Swift, who turned 25 in January, has 195 career receptions for 1,412 yards and 593 carries for 2,729 yards.

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Travis Kelce rejects retirement talk, focuses on third ring

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LAS VEGAS — Travis Kelce doesn’t appear to be slowing down at age 34, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end has no plans to quit playing the game anytime soon.

With Kelce’s brother, 36-year-old center Jason Kelce, pondering retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles, the rumor mill has swirled around Travis’ future, too.

Travis Kelce made it clear during Monday’s Super Bowl Opening Night that Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers will not be his final game.

“I love coming into the building and playing this game more than anybody and I know I’m going to miss it when it’s over with,” Travis Kelce said. “I can’t put a timestamp on it, but I know I’m going to enjoy every single bit of this one.”

Besides, Kelce has a lot of accomplishments to add to his impressive postseason legacy.

He became the all-time leader in playoff receptions during the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens last month. His 11 catches raised his output to 156, five more than San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice amassed.

Kelce ranks second in postseason receiving yardage (1,810) and touchdown catches (19). Rice is the leader in both those categories with 2,245 and 22, respectively.

“When the lights are brighter, he plays better,” Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes said of Kelce. “There’s comfort in just having another leader out there who shows the guys that’s how to get it done.”

Kelce, a nine-time Pro Bowl pick, is viewed as one of the NFL’s all-time great tight ends. He is on a list that includes names from different eras such as John Mackey, Kellen Winslow, Shannon Sharpe, Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and Rob Gronkowski.

However, he is more obsessed about winning a third Super Bowl ring. Kelce won one against the 49ers to conclude the 2019 season and another last year against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Yet he says the one he didn’t win still hurts.

“I’ve been on a mission ever since I won my first Super Bowl,” Kelce said. “We made it back to the Super Bowl (to end the 2020 season) and we lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That’s motivated me to get back to this point right here.

“You’ll hear me say this a lot — I want this one more than I’ve ever wanted a Super Bowl before in my life. And it’s because of the type of team we have. But also because of that tier of team because the teams that have done it (three times) have gone down in history as some of the greats.”

Kelce caught touchdown passes in the Super Bowl wins over the Chiefs and Eagles. He had 10 catches for 133 yards in the loss to the Buccaneers.

San Francisco is expected to have Fred Warner, considered one of the elite coverage linebackers in the game, defend Kelce the bulk of the time. Warner intercepted a Mahomes pass in Super Bowl LIV.

Of course, Kelce was bombarded with questions Monday night about his romance with singer Taylor Swift.

Swift has concerts scheduled for Wednesday through Saturday in Tokyo so she won’t be part of Super Bowl week hype. She is expected to return from Japan in time to attend the Sunday night game.

Kelce maintained that the relationship with Swift doesn’t prompt increased expectations.

“You can’t put any more pressure on me than I put on myself, I can promise you that,” Kelce said. “The heart of a competitor.

“She’s definitely brought a lot of new faces to the game and it’s been fun to experience that.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 19, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kelee Ringo (5) intercepts a pass during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles continue tapping Georgia pipeline on final day of NFL draft

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The Philadelphia Eagles added former Georgia Bulldogs on both sides of the ball as the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft commenced Saturday in Kansas City, Mo.

Before the start of the fourth round, the Eagles traded up into the third pick of the day, No. 105 overall, by dealing a 2024 third-rounder to the Houston Texans. The Eagles used that selection on cornerback Kelee Ringo, the fifth Georgia defender they’ve drafted in two years.

The NFC champions later agreed to a trade to acquire Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift, who projects as their new first-string running back after the departure of Miles Sanders in free agency. Swift is a Philadelphia native and also played collegiately at Georgia.

“He’s got big-play ability as a runner and receiver,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said in an interview on the ESPN broadcast. “We saw it first-hand when we were in Detroit first game of the season. … We liked our running backs. We didn’t go into the draft feeling like this was a position we had to have. But we felt like this player was somebody who could really add to our culture and add to our team.

“And I’m sure I’m out of the Florida alumni association as we speak.”

On Thursday, the Eagles drafted Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter No. 9 overall and Bulldogs pass-rusher Nolan Smith at No. 30. Philadelphia also spent first- and third-round picks in the 2022 draft on Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis and linebacker Nakobe Dean.

Ringo had four interceptions in 30 career games over two seasons at Georgia, which fielded a record-setting defense in 2021 and dominated on that side of the ball again in 2022 en route to two straight national titles. The Bulldogs led FBS with 77.1 rushing yards allowed per game and ranked fifth in scoring defense at 14.3 ppg.

Swift, 24, is entering the final year of his rookie contract after three seasons with the Lions. In 40 career games (16 starts), Swift rushed for 1,680 yards (4.6 per attempt) and 18 touchdowns. But the Lions used a first-round pick Thursday on Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs, signaling their interest in moving on from Swift.

The Eagles dealt a seventh-round pick (No. 219) and a 2025 fourth-rounder to land Swift and Detroit’s seventh-rounder (No. 249), according to multiple reports.

Three quarterbacks went in the fourth round, bringing the total to eight quarterbacks over the first four rounds of the seven-round draft.

The New Orleans Saints traded up with the Jacksonville Jaguars to No. 127 overall and selected quarterback Jake Haener from Fresno State. Haener was the Senior Bowl MVP and is the first Fresno State quarterback to be drafted since Derek Carr — whom the Saints signed as a free agent in March to be their new starter.

With the very next pick, the Los Angeles Rams drafted Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, who started for the Bulldogs in each of the past two seasons and helped them win back-to-back titles. Bennett threw for 4,128 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2022, added 10 rushing touchdowns and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting.

With the last pick in the fourth round, the Las Vegas Raiders chose Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell. The Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo as their presumptive starting quarterback this offseason after parting ways with Carr.

The New England Patriots used an early fourth-rounder on Troy center Jake Andrews, then traded up with their division rival New York Jets to No. 112 overall to pick Maryland kicker Chad Ryland. He was the second kicker picked in this draft after the San Francisco 49ers used a late third-rounder on Michigan’s Jake Moody.

–Field Level Media

Dec 18, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) warms up before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Lions trade RB D’Andre Swift to Eagles

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With a surplus at running back, the Detroit Lions traded D’Andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles as the fourth round of the NFL Draft proceeded Saturday.

In exchange, the Lions moved up in the seventh round this year (No. 219 overall) and received a fourth-round pick in 2025, per multiple reports. The Eagles received the Lions’ seventh-round pick (No. 249).

Swift, 24, became expendable after Detroit drafted Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round Thursday.

The Lions also signed former Chicago Bears RB David Montgomery to a three-year, $18 million deal in March.

Swift was Detroit’s second-round selection (35th overall) in 2020. He has gained 2,878 yards from scrimmage and scored 25 touchdowns in 40 games (16 starts) through his first three seasons.

Swift has rushed 364 times for 1,680 yards (4.6-yard average) and 18 touchdowns and caught 156 passes for 1,198 yards and seven scores.

The Eagles lost 2022 leading rusher Miles Sanders to the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Philadelphia signed former Seattle Seahawks rusher Rashaad Penny in March and has Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Trey Sermon on the depth chart.

–Field Level Media

Dec 18, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Lions fielding trade calls for RB D’Andre Swift

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The Detroit Lions began receiving trade calls about D’Andre Swift after drafting fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round on Thursday night, ESPN reported Friday.

The Lions surprisingly selected the Alabama rusher with the No. 12 overall pick, much higher than most projections after just one season with the Crimson Tide.

Swift’s representatives have been in contact with Lions officials about finding a trade partner, per the report.

Swift, 24, was Detroit’s second-round selection (35th overall) in 2020. He has gained 2,878 yards from scrimmage and scored 25 touchdowns in 40 games (16 starts) through his first three seasons.

Last season, Swift finished second on the team with 542 rushing yards behind Jamaal Williams, who signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the New Orleans Saints in March.

Swift has rushed 364 times for 1,680 yards (4.6-yard average) and 18 touchdowns and caught 156 passes for 1,198 yards and seven scores.

Gibbs, 21, rushed for 926 yards and seven touchdowns and added 44 receptions for 444 yards and three TDs in 12 games for Alabama in 2022. He spent the previous two seasons at Georgia Tech.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions running backs D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams on the field during minicamp practice Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at then Allen Park practice facility in Detroit. Lions

Lions RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder) expected to miss time

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Tailback D’Andre Swift sprained his left shoulder Sunday and the Detroit Lions expect him to miss time, head coach Dan Campbell said.

“We’ll see where he’s at. It could be an issue,” Campbell said Monday.

Campbell said Swift hurt the shoulder against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Campbell said he’s contemplating giving Swift time off with two games before a bye week. That would push Swift’s return to Week 7, after games against the Seahawks and Patriots and the scheduled Week 6 bye.

Jamaal Williams stepped into the lead role last season when Swift suffered a shoulder sprain in December.

Williams had 20 carries for 87 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings, and leads the team with four TDs.

He has a team-leading 43 carries for 168 yards this season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 11, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) talks to center Frank Ragnow (77) against Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY Sports

Lions C Frank Ragnow to miss game vs. Commanders

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Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow will miss Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders due to groin and toe injuries.

Ragnow missed practice on Friday for the third straight day due to the ailments. The 2020 Pro Bowler played through a groin injury during the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and then injured a toe during the contest.

Evan Brown is slated to start at center in place of Ragnow.

Running back D’Andre Swift (ankle) was a limited practice participant and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Swift missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday.

Swift rushed for a career-best 144 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown against Philadelphia.

“I think he’s doing a great job managing it,” Lions running backs coach Duce Staley said of Swift on Friday. “You know going into the next game, if you’ve got something that’s lingering, you know how to take care of it, and he does. And that’s where he’s gotten better, so I have all confidence in him.”

Also listed questionable for the Lions are guard Jonah Jackson (finger), safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (hamstring) and cornerback Amani Oruwariye (hamstring).

–Field Level Media

Nov 25, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) gets chased by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Alec Ogletree (44) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Lions RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder) hurt vs. Bears

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Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift sprained his right shoulder during the second quarter of Thursday’s 16-14 loss to the visiting Chicago Bears.

Swift exited after being tackled hard by former Georgia teammate Roquan Smith midway through the second quarter.

Lions coach Dan Campbell wasn’t immediately sure how long Swift will be sidelined.

“It’s a wait-and-see,” Campbell said afterward. “We know it’s a shoulder sprain. So we’ll see where it goes.”

Swift carried just three times for 0 yards and caught three passes for 9 yards.

He was on a big-time roll entering the contest after recording back-to-back career highs, first with 130 rushing yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 14 and 136 yards against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday.

Overall, the 22-year-old Swift has rushed for 555 yards and four touchdowns and caught 53 passes for 420 yards and two scores during his second NFL season.

Swift will have a few extra days during the healing process due to the Thursday game. The Lions (0-10-1) next play Dec. 5 against the visiting Minnesota Vikings.

–Field Level Media

Nov 15, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (32) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Washington Football Team at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Lions WR Golladay out again, RB Swift could return

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The Detroit Lions will be without standout receiver Kenny Golladay for the sixth straight game when they host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Golladay suffered a hip injury in Week 8 and hasn’t played since. He has 20 catches for 338 yards and two touchdowns this season after topping 1,000 receiving yards in each of the previous two campaigns.

Rookie cornerback Jeff Okudah (groin) and offensive right tackle Tyrell Crosby (ankle) also were ruled out of the contest.

The news is better when it comes to rookie running back D’Andre Swift (concussion/illness). Swift was a full practice participant on Friday and is listed as questionable.

Swift hasn’t played since a strong Week 10 performance against the Washington Football Team. He rushed for 81 yards on 16 carries and also had five receptions for 68 yards and one touchdown.

Swift apparently suffered concussion symptoms, including headaches, in the days following the Washington game but then-coach Matt Patricia was vague in terms of when Swift sustained the head injury.

But progress is now being made and Swift could be back on the field on Sunday.

“It’s a day-to-day thing in terms of they got to make it through and come in today and have to feel good today and then one more practice, but I’d say he’s trending in the right direction, yes,” interim Lions coach Darrell Bevell said of Swift on Friday.

Overall, Swift has rushed for 331 yards and four touchdowns and caught 31 passes for 275 yards and two scores.

–Field Level Media