The New York Giants faced a massive transition when longtime star Saquon Barkley departed in free agency, forcing front office leadership to completely reinvent the team's running back room. Instead of investing heavily in a single bell-cow runner, general manager Joe Schoen opted for a cost-effective, multi-layered approach. Sorting out the backfield required balancing veteran reliability with youthful upside, turning a position of marquee stardom into an open competition.
At the center of this transition sits Devin Singletary, who stepped in as the projected starter following productive stints with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans. Behind him, the competition opened wide for backup snaps, special teams value, and developmental upside between second-year pro Eric Gray and rookie draft pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. Understanding how this room operates means looking past individual names and evaluating the specific skill sets, contract structures, and tactical roles assigned by head coach Brian Daboll.
The Anchor: Devin Singletary Takes the Reins
Devin Singletary arrived on a three-year contract carrying clear expectations: steady, dependable production without the volatile high-variance plays that sometimes accompanied the Barkley era. Singletary isn't going to blow defenders away with sub-4.3 elite speed or hurdle linebackers in the open field, but he excels at finding hidden yardage behind an offensive line in flux.
During his prior stops, Singletary built a reputation as a patient runner with exceptional contact balance. He understands gap schemes, picks up blitzes reliably in passing situations, and rarely drops catchable check-down passes. For an offense trying to establish rhythm under quarterback Daniel Jones, having a back who consistently gains four yards on first down is vital. To explore the complete picture, check out the recent article by The New York Times.
The coaching staff's familiarity with Singletary from their shared days in Buffalo meant zero learning curve. He walked into training camp as the undisputed RB1, handling the bulk of early-down work while mentoring the younger pieces in the room.
The Young Challengers: Gray and Tracy
With Singletary anchoring the top spot, the true battle centered on who would seize the primary backup role and situational packages. This created a fascinating stylistic contrast between Eric Gray and Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Eric Gray entered his second professional season looking to erase a quiet rookie campaign. Drafted in the fifth round, Gray flashed shiftiness during his college career at Oklahoma, but his limited opportunities as a rookie yielded minimal production and costly ball-security miscues. Training camp offered Gray a clean slate to prove he belongs on an NFL roster, using his agility to carve out a niche as a pass-catching complement.
Meanwhile, the Giants spent another fifth-round selection on Tyrone Tracy Jr. out of Purdue. Tracy's football journey adds a unique layer to his profile; he began his college career as a wide receiver at Iowa before converting to running back later in his collegiate tenure. That background shows immediately in his route-running fluidity. Tracy moves with the natural ease of a pass-catcher, making him an immediate mismatch option out of the backfield or flexed into the slot.
Roster Depth and Situational Usage
NFL rosters rarely keep more than three or four running backs on the active 53-man squad, making the cutthroat battle at the bottom of the depth chart intensely competitive. Depth pieces like Dante Miller and Jashaun Corbin added speed and camp competition, but the team's ultimate preference pointed toward a streamlined rotation.
Singletary handles the standard rushing load and standard-down grinding. Tracy earns snaps in obvious passing situations, two-minute drills, and spread formations where his receiver background stresses linebackers. Gray fights for active game-day spots by contributing on special teams coverage units while staying ready to spell Singletary if injuries strike.
The offensive coaching staff values versatility over sheer rushing volume. Because the offensive line faced ongoing scrutiny regarding run-blocking consistency, backs who can identify free-rusher blitzes and secure the football take precedence over raw speed merchants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the starting running back for the New York Giants?
Devin Singletary enters the season as the clear starter, having signed a free-agent contract after previous stints with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans.
What happened to Saquon Barkley?
Saquon Barkley departed in free agency, signing a multi-year contract with the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles, which prompted the Giants to completely restructure their backfield approach.
What makes Tyrone Tracy Jr. unique?
Tyrone Tracy Jr. transitioned from wide receiver to running back late in his college career at Purdue, giving him exceptional pass-catching skills and route-running polish uncommon for a rookie ball-carrier.
How many running backs do NFL teams typically keep active?
Most teams carry three running backs on their active 53-man roster, occasionally keeping a fourth if that player provides elite value on special teams units.
