New York Giants: Grading all the free agent signings
By Matt Clark
RB Dion Lewis
Last season the lack of depth at the running back position became a serious issue for the New York Giants. When star running back Saquon Barkley was forced to miss multiple weeks with a high ankle sprain and backup running back Wayne Gallman was forced out soon after taking over the starting role due to a concussion, the Giants were forced to scramble to find any able body to play running back for the team.
With just Barkley, Gallman and former practice squad running back Jon Hilliman on the roster at the position, the Giants needed to add depth in the backfield. They announced on March 23rd that they had signed former Tennessee Titan Dion Lewis to a one-year contract (financial terms undisclosed).
Giants head coach is familiar with what Lewis brings to the team, having worked with him during his tenure with the New England Patriots, where he was a primary receiving option for Tom Brady out of the backfield from 2015-2018.
Lewis was drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles where he would play until 2012. He would play for the Cleveland Browns in 2013 and Indianapolis Colts in 2014 before joining the Patriots. Most recently he has served as the complimentary back to Derrick Henry the past two seasons in Tennessee.
The most rushing yards that Lewis ever had in a single season was 896 in 2017 with the Patriots. His career-high in receiving yards came in 2018 with the Titans when he had 400. For his career, he has 2,310 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 1,281 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns.
By adding Lewis the Giants provide Barkley with a veteran backup to provide a breather when needed. They also get a running back who is an excellent pass blocker and is a threat in the receiving game. The addition of Lewis to the running backs group of Barkley and Gallman gives the Giants a strong trio of backs in the backfield.