The Philadelphia Eagles are already the talk of the NFL with Saquon Barkley, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year and the likely No. 1 overall pick in fantasy football drafts this summer, anchoring their backfield. With Barkley’s explosive playmaking, the Eagles have a superstar capable of carrying them to another deep playoff run. But behind their marquee running back, the depth chart raises eyebrows—and not in a good way. With an unproven rookie and an injury-plagued veteran as backups, the Eagles are rolling the dice on their championship aspirations. Enter a blockbuster trade proposal that could shake up the NFC East: a deal with their rivals, the New York Giants, to bring in the seasoned and versatile Devin Singletary as Barkley’s ultimate insurance policy.
A Thin Backfield in Need of a Boost
The Eagles’ current backup options leave much to be desired. AJ Dillon, a former Green Bay Packers standout, is coming off a season-ending neck injury that sidelined him for the entirety of 2024. While Dillon showed promise early in his career, his production in both the run and pass game has steadily declined since his breakout second season. Even when handed the starting role in 2023 due to Aaron Jones’ injuries, Dillon struggled to replicate his early success, leaving questions about his reliability as a No. 2 option.
Then there’s Will Shipley, a fourth-round rookie with undeniable potential but zero NFL experience. As a newcomer, Shipley is a wildcard—full of promise but far from a proven commodity. For a team with Super Bowl ambitions, relying on a rookie and a recovering veteran behind a star like Barkley feels like a gamble that could backfire if injuries strike.
To solidify their backfield and protect their championship window, the Eagles could make a bold move by targeting Devin Singletary, a 4,200-yard career rusher from the New York Giants. This trade would not only shore up Philadelphia’s depth but also send shockwaves through the NFL with its audacity.
Why Devin Singletary Makes Perfect Sense
Devin Singletary, now in his sixth NFL season, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the table. With over 4,200 career rushing yards and a knack for contributing in the passing game, Singletary is the kind of dependable, battle-tested running back the Eagles need behind Barkley. While he’s no longer the Giants’ RB1—having been overtaken by 2024 fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr.—Singletary remains a valuable asset. His role in New York has diminished, especially with the emergence of rookie sensation Cam Skattebo, who turned heads at minicamp and could push Singletary further down the depth chart.
For the Giants, trading Singletary makes financial and strategic sense. According to Spotrac, moving him would save New York $5 million in 2025 cap space—a significant amount for a team fighting to stay competitive in the cutthroat NFC East. With Tracy and Skattebo in the fold, Singletary’s role as a second-stringer (or potentially third-stringer) may no longer justify his price tag. A trade could allow the Giants to reallocate resources while giving Singletary a chance to shine on a contender.
For Philadelphia, Singletary represents the perfect low-risk, high-reward addition. His ability to handle a heavy workload, catch passes out of the backfield, and step up in clutch moments would give the Eagles a reliable fallback if Barkley were to miss time. With their sights set on a Super Bowl, the Eagles can’t afford to take chances with their backfield depth, and Singletary’s proven track record makes him an ideal fit.
Breaking Down the Trade: A Win-Win Deal
The proposed trade is straightforward but impactful:
Philadelphia Eagles receive: RB Devin Singletary
New York Giants receive: 2026 sixth-round pick
This deal works for both sides. For the Giants, a sixth-round pick is a fair return for a player who’s no longer a core piece of their offense. The cap relief and draft capital would give New York flexibility to address other needs, whether through free agency or the draft. For the Eagles, Singletary’s acquisition comes at a bargain, allowing them to bolster their roster without sacrificing significant assets.
Intra-division trades are rare, but the NFC East has a history of making them work. Just last offseason, the Eagles swung a deal with the Washington Commanders, acquiring former first-round pick Jahan Dotson for a third-round pick. This precedent shows Philadelphia’s willingness to do business with rivals when the price is right. Unlike franchise-altering trades involving star players, Singletary’s move would be low-profile enough to avoid major friction while still delivering a significant boost to the Eagles’ roster.
Why This Trade Could Change Everything
Adding Singletary to the Eagles’ backfield would give head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore a dynamic one-two punch. Barkley’s electrifying runs and highlight-reel plays would remain the centerpiece, but Singletary’s steady production and versatility would ensure the offense doesn’t skip a beat if Barkley needs a breather or, worst-case scenario, misses time. Singletary’s ability to contribute as a runner, receiver, and blocker makes him a perfect fit for Philadelphia’s high-octane offense.
For Giants fans, the trade might sting, but it’s hard to argue with the logic. New York’s backfield is crowded with young talent, and cashing in on Singletary now could pay dividends down the road. Meanwhile, Eagles fans would be buzzing with excitement over landing a proven veteran who could be the missing piece in their Super Bowl puzzle.
The Bottom Line
The Philadelphia Eagles are all-in on 2025, and they’re not leaving anything to chance. By pulling off a stunning trade for Devin Singletary, they’d secure a battle-tested, 4,200-yard weapon to back up Saquon Barkley, ensuring their backfield is ready for any challenge. This bold move would not only strengthen Philadelphia’s roster but also send a clear message to the NFL: the Eagles are coming for the Lombardi Trophy, and they’re not letting a thin depth chart stand in their way.