When the New York Giants allowed Saquon Barkley to test the open market last offseason, their worst fears were soon realized.
Not only did Barkley sign with the Giants' NFC East foe, Philadelphia Eagles, but the former second-overall pick had a historic first season in the city of brotherly love, rushing for well over 2,000 yards, helping propel Philly to their second Super Bowl victory.
While Barkley's departure stung, their running back situation this upcoming season might just get fans to forget about their former Pro Bowl back. Not only did Tyrone Tracy Jr. have a breakout rookie season last year, but they also drafted Cam Skattebo in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Many consider Skattebo to be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
While New York may have a scary running back duo on their hands this season with Tracy and Skattebo, could Skattebo’s expected immediate impact in the NFL as a rookie derail Big Blue’s plans?
Cam Skattebo might blow up Giants' RB room... and that's a good thing
In an article for Bleacher Report, Damian Parson wrote about Day 3 draft picks that could potentially make an immediate impact in 2025. He pegged Skattebo as one of them:
"In 2025, the Giants drafted another running back, Cam Skattebo, in the fourth round. Like Tracy, Skattebo is a multifaceted playmaker. He catches the ball well in space and runs like a hammer slamming a nail. The way he plays fits the grittiness of New York City," Parson wrote.
"Despite some similarities, the ball-carriers have contrasting running styles. Tracy is more of a smooth-moving runner who can use sudden athletic movements to make defenders miss as he climbs into the heart of the defense."
Even though Skattebo is viewed as an NFL-ready running back, his potential instant impact this season could create some complications for the Giants in their backfield. While Tracy is the anticipated starter, he and Skattebo differ in their running styles.
Skattebo may enter this season as the Giants’ third-down running back, but if he proves in critical moments that he can make an immediate impact, could he rise to become the G-MEN’s starting back? And what about Devin Singletary? Yes, he’s still here.
Once Barkley left in free agency last offseason, the Giants signed veteran running back Devin Singletary to a three-year deal to fill the void. However, after Singletary suffered an early-season injury, his playing time diminished due to Tracy’s emergence. So, will Singletary still be in the Giants’ plans this season, with two years remaining on his contract?
The Giants have a plethora of options at the running back position this season, and it’s still early to predict who will get the most reps. But after seeing Skattebo rush for well over 1,700 yards last season at Arizona State and add 605 receiving yards (both career highs), it’s looking like the Giants may have a bit of a running back controversy on their hands.