This offseason, the Detroit Lions returned almost every offensive skill player on their 2019 roster, only losing tight end Logan Thomas and running back J.D. McKissic in free agency.
The Lions signed several pass catchers in free agency, but their most substantial additions came via the draft when they selected running back D’Andre Swift (2nd round), wide receiver Quintez Cephus (5th), and running back Jason Huntley (5th), while also signing tight end Hunter Bryant post-draft.
With his Michigan residence up for sale, Stafford has split his time between his California and Georgia homes. He noted that he has had a few workout sessions with Kenny Golladay while in California, and while currently in Atlanta, has worked out with rookies Swift, and Cephus, as well as sophomore tight end Isaac Nauta.
During a virtual conference with Detroit media on Thursday, Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford was asked about the most high profile skill player added this offseason, fellow Georgia alum, Swift.
“As far a player goes, he’s a back that can kinda do it all,” Stafford said of Swift. “I think he does a good job out of the backfield catching the ball and making big plays. They handed it to him a bunch and he was doing a great job running with it.”
Swift will join a backfield that featured Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough last year and the trio are expected to share carries in 2020.
“(Johnson) had a great career in college – him and Bo Scarbrough,” Swift told the Lions media post-draft. “I’ve seen them first hand. He’s done great in the NFL, too. So just to go in there and build a relationship with them type of guys – I’m just looking to compete for whatever role is fit for me.”
Adding a back with the talent level of Swift will help lighten the load this season and when asked about how important it is to have multiple backs, Stafford responded:
“I think it’s huge. In the NFL, running backs — well everybody — but running backs, get dinged up, beat up here and there throughout a season, and really throughout games. So, the more guys you can have back there that can carry the rock and do a good job for you the better off you’re going to be.”
Johnson and Scarbrough have long injury histories — both were injured last season — and the Lions are banking on Swift being able to help reduce the injury risk, as well as elevate the talent level on offense — after all, he is capable of doing it all.