Lions Trade D'Andre Swift

The Detroit Lions traded a promising member of their backfield.

The Detroit Lions have parted ways with running back D'Andre Swift. 

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Swift was dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles. Specifically, the Georgia product, along with a seventh-round pick (No. 249 overall), was dealt to Philadelphia for a fourth-round pick in 2025 and a seventh-rounder this year (No. 219 overall). 

The Lions drafted running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft Thursday, signaling that the incumbent running back was likely going to be moved. 

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes was reportedly trying to move the back throughout the process, but said the Gibbs selection had no impact on Swift's future. 

"D'Andre, he's still on our roster, he's still a part of our team, he's still under contract with us," Holmes said Thursday. "He's a dynamic football player, so it hadn't really changed the math there yet, but it is early. It didn't really change, we just kind of put Jahmyr in his own separate box, and just got really excited about the player. It didn't really have any bearing on D'Andre." 

Swift proved to be dynamic when healthy, but struggled to stay on the field during his three seasons in Detroit. He missed 10 games in that span. He surpassed 600 rushing yards just one time in his tenure with the Lions. 

Overall, he rushed for 1,680 yards during his time in Motown. He also added 156 catches for 1,198 yards and seven touchdowns. 

With Swift on the move, a large role will be available for his rookie replacement. Additionally, the team signed David Montgomery to a three-year deal in the offseason. 

The Lions have shown a willingness to move on from players not in their future plans, as evidenced previously by trading T.J. Hockenson at the 2022 trade deadline. 

Source: The Eagles are acquiring RB D'Andre Swift from the Lions for a swap of 2023 seventh-round picks (Detroit moves up in the round) and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 29, 2023