April 29, 2023 2 MIN READ

Swift Moves

Eagles Make Trade for Playmaking RB D'Andre Swift

by Benjamin Paul

Many expected the Philadelphia Eagles to leave the 2023 NFL Draft with a new starting running back, with prospects such as Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs among the most discussed.

Howie Roseman did indeed make the move for a top runner, but not with one of the team’s eight selections.

On day three, the Eagles made the blockbuster trade of the draft, acquiring fourth-year running back and the Philly born and raised D’Andre Swift from the Detroit Lions.

We've agreed to terms with the Lions on a trade for RB @DAndreSwift.

Welcome home 🔥#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/YvyZ66Zjou

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 29, 2023

RB D’Andre Swift becomes the latest blockbuster acquisition for the Philadelphia Eagles

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Detroit acquires a fourth-round pick in 2025 and the two teams pick swap their 2023 seventh round selections.

In a weekend where Bulldogs are transforming into Eagles, Swift is the latest Georgia product to join Philadelphia, but unlike the others, this one will provide an offensive spark plug.

The former 2020 second round pick was a highly touted running back prospect with expectations to eventually be among the top in the league.

In his three seasons as a Lion, Swift never broke free from a crowded committee, but contributed on both the rushing and receiving end. The 24-year-old has consistently tallied around 1,000 yards from scrimmage despite missing multiple games every year.

Scheduled to be a free agent after the 2023 season, Swift’s lack of future in Detroit became clear when the Lions elected to go with Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick to join free agent signing David Montgomery.

Swift now joins a backfield that features newly acquired Rashaad Penny and returning Kenny Gainwell and Boston Scott.

For Swift, a repeat of a 2022 Miles Sanders-like season could be on the way, where a strong season on a contending team leads to a win-win: a payday in free agency for the running back and a compensatory pick for the Birds.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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