Derrick Henry has undeniably established himself as running back No. 1 for the Tennessee Titans, which is expected to lead to the release of fellow running back Dion Lewis prior to the start of free agency in March.
Lewis signed a four-year, $19.8 million contract in 2018 and it’s possible that the Titans seek to restructure that deal, but if the two sides can not come to an agreement and Lewis is ultimately released, the New York Giants are expected to have interest.
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports reports:
The Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and New York Giants, meanwhile, are expected to make a play for Lewis in the event he hits the open market, per a league source. All three figure to be in the market for veteran depth at RB.
Although far from the Giants’ primary need, they do need to find a quality backup for Saquon Barkley after two years of coming up empty.
Wayne Gallman was expected to serve as the No. 2 behind Barkley, but he was quietly benched last season and it appears as if his time in New York may be coming to an end. Meanwhile, Javorius Allen and Jon Hilliman each had high-water moments during the 2019 season, but don’t seem to be in serious play to back up Barkley moving forward.
A fifth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2011 NFL Draft, Lewis had also spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots before joining Tennessee in 2018. In 86 career games (27 starts), the Albany, New York native has gained 2.310 yards and 11 touchdowns on 538 carries (4.3 ypc), adding 1,281 yards and seven touchdowns on 172 receptions.
There are several running backs out there who are viewed as ideal backups to Barkley, and Lewis could become one of those. A dual-purpose back who has long filled the role of backup, Lewis would be an immediate fit in East Rutherford.
[lawrence-related id=641082,641071,641066]