NFL Rumors: Detroit Lions Star Running Back Looking for Trade

The Detroit Lions shocked the NFL by drafting Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs twelfth overall last night in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. That big splash has already caused massive ripple effects on the Lions' depth chart. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Lions are receiving trade inquiries regarding running back D'Andre Swift, whose representatives have already contacted the Lions about finding a new team.

Sources: The #Lions are receiving trade calls on running back D’Andre Swift, whose representatives have been in contact with the team about potentially moving to a new team. With Detroit drafting Jahmyr Gibbs, the talented Swift appears poised to leave Detroit. pic.twitter.com/Rkf16dylaL
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 28, 2023

Teams have likely observed that Gibbs and Swift have overlapping skill sets, potentially making Swift expendable for the Lions. Gibbs' electric ability as a pass catcher and his explosiveness out of the backfield as a change-of-pace back are certain to eat into Swift's opportunities, and Swift only has one year remaining on his rookie contract.

The Lions lost Jamaal Williams in free agency this offseason, who logged 262 carries and a franchise-record 17 rushing touchdowns last season, so there is room on their roster for a back of Swift's calibre. Still, the massive investment the Lions made in Gibbs does speak to their lack of confidence in Swift. If they were truly committed to the former second-round pick, they wouldn't have spent their top pick on Gibbs.

Swift appeared in 14 games for the Lions last season, totalling 931 yards from scrimmage and managing impressive averages in yards per carry (5.5) and yards per target (5.6). His best asset is his ability as a receiver: he has totalled 1198 receiving yards over 40 appearances so far in his career. He'd be a good fit for a pass-heavy team in need of a complementary back with soft hands.