The Philadelphia Eagles currently rely on Saquon Barkley, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year and a top fantasy football pick, as their lead running back entering the 2024 season. However, the team faces significant uncertainty behind Barkley, with AJ Dillon and rookie Will Shipley set as the primary backups. Dillon is returning from a neck injury that sidelined him throughout 2024, while Shipley remains unproven with no NFL game experience.

Dillon’s early career showed promise during his first two seasons with Green Bay, but both his rushing and receiving contributions declined over time, despite opportunities as the starter last year during Aaron Jones’s injuries. Shipley, drafted in the fourth round, is largely an unknown quantity, increasing the Eagles’ concern about reliability at the position.

Given these challenges, Philadelphia is exploring options to strengthen their running back depth chart with a dependable second-string player capable of stepping up if Barkley misses time.

Devin Singletary Emerges as a Potential Trade Target From NFC East Rival Giants

One attractive candidate for the Eagles is Devin Singletary of the New York Giants, who has recently lost his status as the team’s lead running back due to rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s rise. Although Singletary is not publicly listed as available, the Giants might consider moving him for the right offer, especially considering their need to manage salary cap space.

Trading Singletary could free up approximately $5 million in 2025 cap space for New York, which carries weight as the Giants continue to compete in a demanding NFC East landscape. There is also speculation that Singletary might fall further down the depth chart after training camp, given the impressive spring minicamp performance by rookie Cam Skattebo.

For the Eagles, securing a reliable backup like Singletary fits their strategy of minimizing risks at the running back position while positioning the team for another strong championship push in the near future.

Feasibility and Terms of an Intra-Division Trade

Trades between NFC East teams have precedent, despite some rivalries where teams avoid transactions. The Eagles previously demonstrated a willingness to conduct business with division opponents by trading a third-round pick to the Washington Commanders for wide receiver Jahan Dotson last offseason. This history suggests a trade with the Giants remains plausible, especially for a depth player rather than a star.

A proposed deal could see Philadelphia acquiring Devin Singletary in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick. This arrangement would provide both teams value: the Giants reduce cap commitments and create roster flexibility, while the Eagles reinforce their backfield with a dependable, experienced running back.

Implications for Eagles’ Roster and Season Outlook

Adding Singletary would address a critical vulnerability for the Eagles by supplying a proven option behind Saquon Barkley, who remains central to the team’s offensive plans. With Dillon recovering from injury and Shipley untested, Singletary’s experience and versatility could prove vital if Barkley faces nagging injuries or needs rest during a demanding season.

The move also signals Philadelphia’s intent to maintain a competitive edge in the NFC East by improving depth without sacrificing key future draft assets. For the Giants, this trade aligns with their transition toward younger backfield options while managing financial constraints.