Tag: devin singletary

NFL insider: Giants’ trade for Brian Burns was a ‘curious choice’

ESPN’s Seth Walder is not a fan of the New York Giants’ decision to trade for LB Brian Burns this offseason: “It was a curious choice.”

Many experts have graded the New York Giants’ moves this past offseason, from the draft to free agency. Some gave them positive reviews while others panned their efforts.

In a recent piece for ESPN, Seth Walder grades them right down the middle with a C+ grade.

The biggest move the Giants made was the trade for Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns in exchange for a second-round pick and a flip of fifth-rounders. Then, the Giants inked Burns to a five-year, $141 million extension.

This was also the move Walder says he disliked the most because of the cost of trading for, and then extending, Burns.

It was a curious choice, as the Giants spent a lot of capital to upgrade one of their only strengths — maybe their only strength. And they did it at a time when they don’t appear close to contention. As good of a player as Burns is, they traded a premium draft pick for the right to pay top money to a player.

What Walder liked the most was the Giants’ free agent signings of two veteran guards — Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor.

Walder called the $9.5 million the Giants guaranteed to free agent running back Devin Singletary “unnecessary” and cited the decision to allow safety Xavier McKinney to walk in free agency but noted they could be awarded a fourth-round compensatory pick for that loss.

I like the more under-the-radar free agent signings of Eluemunor and Runyan, who should help the offensive line. On the other hand, fully guaranteeing $9.5 million to running back Devin Singletary seemed unnecessary. The loss of safety Xavier McKinney stings but at least the Giants are likely to receive a fourth-round compensatory pick for him.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but Walder’s take on the Burns trade is, well… curious.

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PFF continues to hammer Giants, ranks their receivers among NFL’s worst

Pro Football Focus ranks the New York Giants’ receivers among the worst in football headed into the 2024 season.

The New York Giants made a significant upgrade to their wide receivers crops this offseason, selecting LSU’s Malik Nabers in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Nabers, who flashed throughout the spring, is expected to come in and take over the No. 1 role, which the Giants have struggled to fill since trading Odell Beckham Jr. in 2019.

The presence of Nabers takes pressure off the remaining wideouts, including Darius Slayton, who can finally settle into the ideal WR2 role, as well as the young upstarts, Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt.

On paper, the Giants suddenly have what looks to be a formidable wide receiver unit but Pro Football Focus isn’t buying that.

Because of Darren Waller’s retirement and Saquon Barkley’s departure, PFF believes the Giants’ receivers are among the very worst in football.

28. NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants’ receiver room will go as rookie Malik Nabers goes. If he is a star, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt could all look like great complementary pieces.

After Darren Waller‘s retirement, Daniel Bellinger and Theo Johnson are the main options at tight end. Subbing out the pass-catching abilities of Saquon Barkley for Devin Singletary is a downgrade, as Singletary hasn’t brought much in the receiving game in his career.

Barkley caught 91 passes for 721 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie, which greatly padded his career stats. In the five years since then, he’s hauled in 197 receptions for 1,379 yards and eight touchdowns. He also has a career receiving success rate of 38.1 and a catch percentage of 72.7.

Comparatively, in his five NFL seasons, Singletary has caught 175 passes for 1,164 yards and four touchdowns with a receiving success rate of 45.9 and a catch percentage of 75.8.

How much of a downgrade is that, really?

Losing Waller’s potential hurts but even if he returned, there was no guarantee he could stay on the field anyway. Meanwhile, Theo Johnson looks to be a dynamic option who could surprise in 2024.

The 28th overall ranking aside, it’s clear the Giants upgraded their receivers this offseason. But they’ll have to show it before they get any credit.

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Fantasy football: Malik Nabers is Giants’ highest-ranked player in PFF’s PPR 400

Rookie WR Malik Nabers is the highest-ranked New York Giants player on Pro Football Focus’ PPR 400 ahead of the 2024 fantasy football season.

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is the team’s highest-rated player in Pro Football Focus’ PPR 400 for the upcoming 2024 NFL season.

In a fantasy mock draft based on the PPR (Point Per Reception) scoring system, analyst Nathan Jahnke listed the top 400 offensive players in ranked order.

Nabers was ranked 42nd overall and No. 22 among wide receivers. Running back Devin Singletary — the 31st rated at his position — was ranked 98 overall.

Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson came in at No. 171 overall and No. 72 among wideouts. Quarterback Daniel Jones got no love at all, ranked 202nd overall and 30th overall at his position.

Others placed on the list: rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (No. 199 overall, No. 62 running back); wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (No. 212, No. 81 wide receiver); wide receiver Darius Slayton (217, 84); tight end Daniel Bellinger (250, TE 31); rookie tight end Theo Johnson (301, 39); quarterback Drew Lock (347, QB 38), the Giants’ defense (349, DEF 26) and kicker Graham Gano (391, PK 31).

Former Giants star running back Saquon Barkley, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, placed 13th overall on the list and fifth among running backs.

There are few surprises on the list given the Giants’ performance in 2023.

There is little to no confidence in Jones as he is ranked near the bottom of the starting quarterback rung and plenty of confidence in Lock, who despite telling the media that he’s firmly the backup, is ranked right outside the starter’s category.

Three newcomers — Nabers, Singletary, and Tracy — were ranked relatively high considering the rookies have yet to play a live down in the NFL and Singletary is on his third team in as many years.

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Giants’ Devin Singletary: ‘I’m a playmaker’ like Saquon Barkley

New York Giants RB Devin Singletary isn’t worried about being in the shadow of Saquon Barkley: “I’m a playmaker like him.”

Newly signed New York Giants running back Devin Singletary is trying to make the running back transition smooth for fans with his playmaking skills.

The former Florida Atlantic running back started out his career with the Buffalo Bills where he played four seasons as their primary back. There he totaled 4,122 yards and 20 touchdowns in 61 games. He then totaled 1,091 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Houston Texans as he overtook Dameon Pierce as the bellcow.

Singletary has averaged over 1,000 scrimmage yards a season and will be looking to replicate that and more as he looks to replace former second-overall pick Saquon Barkley.

In six seasons (74 games), Barkley recorded 7,311 scrimmage yards and 47 touchdowns. These are big shoes to fill for Singletary as Barkley was the engine of Big Blue’s offense.

However, Singletary is not worried about any of that.

“We ain’t really worried about ‘The Shadow of Saquon’ or none of that. It’s just find ways to win games,” Singletary told the New York Post. “I’ve been in the league just like him.

“He’s only been in the league a year before me. … I feel like I’m a playmaker like him, so … I’m just gonna be me.”

Singletary will certainly get held to the standards of Barkley’s success as they share the same number and the latter is the only running back the Giants really have had in the past six seasons.

The Giants will look very new across the board with a new No. 1 wide receiver (Malik Nabers) and a new No. 1 tight end (Theo Johnson).

Singletary believes with all these additions and Brian Daboll’s play calling things will be “explosive.”

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Giants’ Devin Singletary calls Brian Daboll a ‘fearless’ play-caller

New York Giants RB Devin Singletary says head coach Brian Daboll is a “fearless” offensive play-caller.

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary just joined the team during free agency, but he knows head coach Brian Daboll better than most of his teammates. That’s because Singletary was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2019 when Daboll was still the offensive coordinator.

Singletary played under Daboll for three seasons, until Daboll left for New York following the 2021 season.

During that time, Singletary learned what kind of coach Daboll is, how he calls plays, and how to expect the unexpected. So, when he was asked to characterize Daboll’s play-calling, he knew exactly what to say.

“Man, fearless. He’s fearless. No fear of failure. Only the desire to excel. That’s the best way to put it,” Singletary told reporters on Thursday.

“You have to be on your toes at all times with Daboll.”

Singletary believes that Daboll gave them an advantage in Buffalo with his play calling. And, ideally, the Giants will get to see some of that fearlessness pay off this season.

After spending his first four years with Buffalo, Singletary joined the Houston Texans last season before joining the Giants earlier this year. Over his five-year career, Singletary has yet to break the 1,000-yard mark in a season. He had his best season in 2023 with Houston when he rushed for 898 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.

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New Orleans Saints game previews: Week 14 at New York Giants

The Saints will kick off against the New York Giants in Week 14 for their first game with Big Blue at MetLife Stadium since 2018. A lot has changed since then:

We’re picking up our series previewing every game on the New Orleans Saints’ schedule in 2024 with the New York Giants, who the Saints will visit after coming out of their bye week for a home game with the Los Angeles Rams. It remains to be seen if the Giants can compete with their NFC East rivals this year, but if the Saints hope to get into the playoff picture they won’t have the luxury of dropping a loss here.

The Saints haven’t played a game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium since the 2018 season, and a lot has changed for both teams. Eli Manning and Saquon Barkley aren’t in the New York backfield, while Drew Brees and Michael Thomas are no longer suiting up for New Orleans. Neither Sean Payton nor Pat Shurmur are coaching  these teams. Alvin Kamara put this game away with a 49-yard touchdown run (that kept going into through the end zone and into the stadium tunnel), but is another 33-18 road win in the cards for the Saints?

Maybe so, if last year’s result is any indication. The Saints hosted the Tommy DeVito-led Giants at the Caesars Superdome (who were riding a three-game win streak, having upset the Green Bay Packers a week earlier) and took care of business in a lopsided 24-6 win. New York was missing right tackle Evan Neal and Jones, their starting quarterback, but it’s tough to believe either of them would have made that great a difference in a game the Saints won by 18 points.

Still, we shouldn’t overlook Big Blue after their busy offseason. The Giants traded for Carolina Panthers star pass rusher Brian Burns, who has had some great games against the Saints, while signing free agents like running back Devin Singletary and offensive linemen Jon Runyan and Jermaine Eluemunor. They drafted LSU standout Malik Nabers to lead their receiving corps as well as former Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin. This is going to be a tougher matchup than the one the Saints faced last year, but they should be favored to win again. A loss would be very disappointing.

  • Game information: New Orleans Saints at New York Giants
  • Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
  • Date: Dec. 8
  • Time: Noon CT / 1 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: FOX

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PFF ranks Giants’ Devin Singletary among worst starting RBs in NFL

Pro Football Focus ranks Devin Singletary of the New York Giants among the worst projected starting running backs in football.

Shortly after losing superstar running back Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants pivoted and signed veteran Devin Singletary as his replacement.

“Saquon is great. Everyone knows that,” Singletary said during his introductory press conference. “I’m just happy to be a Giant. I’m looking forward to a great opportunity here, and I’m ready to get to work. That’s how I’m looking at it.”

Although Singletary didn’t represent a one-to-one replacement for Barkley, some around the league felt he could be as productive for the Giants.

“Saquon is a good back, but you are talking about a running back. Singletary is going to produce as much as Saquon did for them at a fraction of the cost,” an anonymous NFL executive told The Athletic.

Not everyone sees it that way, however.

In a recent ranking of the NFL’s 32 projected starting running backs, Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus lists Singletary near the very bottom.

30. DEVIN SINGLETARY, NEW YORK GIANTS

Singletary was intended to be the backup for Dameon Pierce, but a fine run of performances, as well as disappointing ones from Pierce, saw the former Bills running back jump up the depth chart and not look back. Singletary carried the ball a career-high 216 times for 898 yards and four touchdowns while earning a 70.8 grade.

His 23 explosive runs tied for 13th in the NFL, and he was top 20 in yards after contact, too. ultimately will be the starting running back for the Giants in 2024.

Only Gus Edwards (Los Angeles Chargers) and Zamir White (Las Vegas Raiders) were ranked lower than Singletary.

For comparison purposes, Barkley was ranked sixth overall.

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PODCAST: Which path should Giants take in 2024 NFL draft?

This week on the Giants Wire Podcast, we look ahead to the 2024 NFL draft and offer our opinion while also breaking down free agency.

This week on the Giants Wire Podcast, we discuss the 2024 NFL draft and what the New York Giants might do in Round 1.

Will general manager Joe Schoen trade up? How about down? Will he stand pat and take a top-end wide receiver or hope a potential quarterback falls to him? We weigh those options and offer our take.

We also discuss the free-agent losses of running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney. Which was worse? And can Devin Singletary replace Barkley’s production?

Additionally, we evaluate the addition of edge rusher Brian Burns and break down what it means for the defense — specifically nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Those topics (and more) are discussed in the latest episode of the Giants Wire Podcast, which is hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary on X) and joined by site editor Dan Benton (@TheGiantsWire).

The Giants Wire Podcast will air every week during the regular season and occasionally throughout the offseason. You can listen below:

Follow the Giants Wire Podcast:
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Don’t forget to use our playlist to enhance your listening experience:

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NFL executive: Giants’ Devin Singletary will produce as much as Saquon Barkley

One NFL executive believes Devin Singletary will produce as much for the New York Giants as Saquon Barkley did.

General manager Joe Schoen made a clear statement about where the New York Giants are headed when they let Xavier McKinney and Saquon Barkley walk in free agency.

The message was clear: The Giants would not pay players at non-premium positions.

Given the fact that he left for their division rival Philadelphia Eagles, the departure of Barkley is one that weighed heavy on Giants fans and even co-owner John Mara.

Instead of paying Barkley, the Giants moved in another direction when they signed Devin Singletary.

Following the signing, it wasn’t long before the stat comparisons hit X, formerly known as Twitter, comparing Singletary and Barkley.

Recently, an anonymous NFL executive told The Athletic that he believes Singletary will produce as much as Barkley in 2024.

“I actually like the stuff that they did,” the exec said. “Saquon is a good back, but you are talking about a running back. Singletary is going to produce as much as Saquon did for them at a fraction of the cost. They may get a better version of Brian Burns than Carolina was getting because there is a human element to it. You don’t like where you are playing, you are not having success, it affects you.”

Singletary had the most carries of his career last season. He comes at a cheaper price point and historically, has been much more durable than Barkley.

The Giants should have an improved offensive line than what Barkley had to deal with during his time in a Giants uniform, so that should facilitate some added production as well.

Obviously, Singletary is not the home run threat that Barkley is. However, if he is able to stay healthy, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Singletary could, in fact, produce as much as Barkley.

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Devin Singletary joins former Bills by signing with Giants

Devin Singletary joins former #Bills, signs with #Giants:

The New York Giants decided to sign a former Buffalo Bills player to fill some huge shoes.

The Giants lost former marquee player, running back Saquon Barkley, to the Philadelphia Eagles, a division rival. The Eagles signed Barkley as a free agent last week.

In response, Singletary heads to New York. The Giants went on to sign him to a three-year deal last week as well.

The 26-year-old Singletary was a third-round pick of the Bills in the 2019 NFL draft. During his span in western New York, he played under current New York head coach Brian Daboll, who was the team’s offensive coordinator.

Singletary remained in Buffalo for four years before signing with the Texans on a one-year deal last offseason–Now he’s off to the Big Apple like numerous other former Bills players have done since Daboll’s arrival.

In 78 career games (66 starts), Singletary has gained 4,049 yards (4.6 ypc) and scored 20 touchdowns on the ground. He’s also hauled in 175 receptions for 1,164 yards and four touchdowns, and completed his only pass for a six-yard touchdown.

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