As the Saquon Barkley chapter closed in East Rutherford, the Devin Singletary one began... or so that's how it was supposed to go.
After rushing for 3,151 yards and 16 touchdowns in Buffalo, and another 898 and four scores in Houston, the New York Giants signed Singletary to a three-year, $16.5 million contract in 2024. The 28-year-old had familiarity with head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen from their three years together with the Bills. Unfortunately for the former Florida Atlantic standout, his role as lead back would be challenged almost immediately by a fifth-round pick out of Purdue.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. took over as the starter in Week 5 of the 2024 season. He was filling in for an injured Singletary, but it was clear by his return (Week 8) that he'd taken a backseat to the rookie. Things didn't get any easier for the seven-year pro when the Giants selected Cam Skattebo 105th overall in the 2025 Draft, potentially knocking him further down the depth chart.
If it weren't for a season-ending injury to Skatt, he would have likely remained as the team's third back, but regardless, it's becoming clear that his role once Skattebo is healthy next season is in dire jeopardy and might not be worth the cost.
Giants have budget-friendly free agent options to move on from Devin Singletary
If the Giants choose to cut Singletary -- which they should definitely consider -- they'd save $5.25 million in cap space. Without any contract restructures, cuts, or trades, New York will enter free agency with an uninspiring $17.5, according to Over the Cap.
There are also several intriguing free agents who could be better fits to support rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in his push to prove he’s the franchise guy... which is something people question now? Apparently?
Two names immediately come to mind: Atlanta Falcons backup running back Tyler Allgeier and San Francisco 49ers backup Brian Robinson Jr.
Both players serve the purpose of being utilized more in short-yardage situations and the redzone. Skattebo is a human battering ram who used to run into telephone poles for training purposes, but keeping him healthy through 17 games is imperative to this team's success. Putting the 23-year-old through constant abuse is a little too short-sighted for me.
Additionally, relying on QB-designed runs where Dart gets smacked trying to make a play is also a nightmare, so having a luxury third-string battering ram to handle those situations would be awesome.
Allgeier comes in around 5-foot-10, weighing 225 pounds, while Robinson stands 6-foot-1, weighing 225 pounds. Both are entering their fifth seasons in the league. Both are efficient scorers given their roles -- 18 for the Falcon and 17 for the Niner.
Neither player is projected to come close to Singletary's $6.5 million cap hit, making a cut-save-then-sign move something Joe Schoen -- or whoever the general manager is -- should absolutely consider. At this point, it’s hard to justify keeping a $16.5 million reminder of the wrong era in the building.