*a series dedicated to profiling the players on the Giants’ roster. Know The Giant will be released daily from now until the start of the season. Up next: running back Devin Singletary.
Basic Information
- Age: 26 years old
- College: Florida Atlantic
- Experience: entering sixth season in NFL
- Joined Giants as free agent this offseason (three-year, $16.5 million deal)
Career Statistics
- 78 games played, starting in 66 of them
- Spent first four years with the Buffalo Bills. Played with the Houston Texans last season.
- 4,049 rushing yards, 20 touchdowns in five years. Also four receiving touchdowns.
- Became lead back for Houston midway through the season last year. Racked up 898 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the regular season.
Overview
Drafted in the third round by the Buffalo Bills in 2019, Devin Singletary isn’t known to be a flashy back. But, consistency is the name of his game.
With his vision and speed, he’s able to make big plays that many don’t usually think about when it comes to Singletary.
Devin Singletary
— Nick Guglielmo (@NextLvl_Fantasy) June 22, 2024
•Now new lead back for Giants
•Weeks 9-18 averaged 19 touches and 87 yards a game
•RB9 over final 9 weeks
•Reunited with Daboll pic.twitter.com/QzcfzdYK2n
In the past three years, he has finished with at least 800 rushing yards for the entire season. Again, not exciting of a statistic considering there are backs that finish with 1,000 yards consistently. But, Singletary’s totals are decent enough to be happy with him as the starter.
Oh, and Singletary has been relatively healthy, missing just two games in the past four years. Saquon Barkley missed 20+ games in that span.
Also, consider this. Singletary has been able to produce better statistically with less carries compared to the departed Barkley. Last year, Barkley had 247 carries for 962 yards and six touchdowns. Singletary had 216 carries for 898 yards and four touchdowns. That’s a 3.9 Y/A compared to 4.2 Y/A, respectively. Take that, as you may.
Both are receiving backs in their own right. Though not at the level like Barkley, he is still productive with his hands, as he caught 30 balls for 193 yards in 2023.
Finally, considering the contract each player was given (Barkley: three years, $37.75 million), Singletary is basically Barkley (from a production standpoint) for a whole lot cheaper.
2024 Expectations
As mentioned on numerous occasions on the Third and Ten Podcast I host alongside fellow contributor Brian Germinaro, the New York Giants backfield will be a committee. Singletary will be the first back on the field, but expect guys like Eric Gray and Tyrone Tracy Jr to eat into his carries.
However, many saw Singletary as just a backup behind Dameon Pierce last year and the former Buffalo Bill emerged as a lead back as the regular season began to wind down.
If Singletary can impress the team early and produce solid numbers, I could see him emerging as the true lead back who could get around 20+ touches a game.
With an improved offensive line, I expect Singletary to continue to extend his 800+ rushing yards streak in the regular season and possibly reach 1,000 if everything goes to plan. He may not have breakaway speed like Barkley. But, he can be explosive (23 explosive runs in 2023), and is able to get yards after contact without much trouble.
Add in his ability to contribute in the passing game, and I wouldn’t sleep on what Singletary can bring to the table.
Fuck it Devin Singletary highlights pic.twitter.com/R7ckGtnl2k https://t.co/UL7PWwATAR
— Mace The Flip Flopper 😎 (@realmaceblack) June 12, 2024
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the Third and Ten Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: Tim Warner/Getty Images
