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Grading the trade: Eagles send picks to Lions, buy low on explosive RB DAndre Swift

The Eagles’ productive week continued Saturday, as they acquired running back D’Andre Swift from the Lions for an exchange of draft picks. The Lions received a fourth-rounder in the 2025 draft and also moved up in Saturday’s seventh round with a pick swap.

Why they made the trade

The Lions selected Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th pick and essentially tailored Swift for new threads. Swift is entering the final year of his contract, so the Lions decided to send him to a spot where he has a better chance for a featured role.

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The Eagles, who seem hellbent on loading up on former Georgia Bulldogs, added a Philly native who has 1,680 rushing yards and 156 receptions for 1,198 yards and 25 total touchdowns in three seasons.

The Eagles had the fifth-ranked rushing attack last season, but they lost lead back Miles Sanders to the Panthers in free agency. Swift joins a backfield that includes Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Trey Sermon.

go-deeper

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Trade grade (Eagles): A-minus

The NFC champions aren’t settling for anything this offseason. Like any successful team, they lost some key pieces in free agency, but their draft haul has been very impressive.

Revolved around quarterback Jalen Hurts, Nick Sirianni’s offense is designed to be productive on the ground almost regardless of the personnel at the skill positions, but they needed someone to replace Sanders. Swift fell into their laps.

They will need Swift to reach his potential on the ground, and staying healthy will be pivotal there. He’s been a more effective receiving back so far in his career, but maybe the Eagles can tap into a skill that hadn’t necessarily flourished in his time with the Lions.

Trade grade (Lions): B

The Lions added David Montgomery in free agency, so Swift’s role looked murky after the Gibbs selection. Because of Gibbs’ talent — and the high selection — the Lions clearly have big plans for him.

go-deeper

GO DEEPER

Lions weren't afraid to trade on NFL Draft Day 2, and it got them who they wanted

Swift, the 35th pick in 2020, had a career-high 617 rushing yards in 2021 but was overshadowed by Jamaal Williams’ incredible emergence in 2022. Even though the Lions had an above-average rushing attack last season, they made it a point of emphasis to overhaul the personnel this offseason.

Unless they hit a grand slam in the seventh round, the Lions probably won’t reap the benefits of this trade for a few years, if at all. It was just time for both sides to move in a different direction.

(Photo: Rey Del Rio / Getty Images)

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Christie Applegate

Update: 2024-05-05