Former Lions running back predicted to get franchise tagged in 2024 offseason

The Detroit Lions re-shaped their running back room last offseason, and after the drafting of Jahmyr Gibbs it was inevitable they'd trade D'Andre Swift. They of course did, after the ground work was arguably laid early, to the Philadelphia Eagles on Day 3 of the draft,

As a second-round pick in 2020, Swift was also about to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2023. It's fair to say the Eagles are happy with the move to get him, as he has become their lead running back. Swift has already set career-highs for carries (161) and rushing yards (770), along with 34 receptions for 201 yards and five total touchdowns.

Due to various injuries and the Lions' coaching clearly not trusting him to hold up with a big workload, Swift will hit the open market in March at 25 years old and likely with less than 650 regular season carries on his resume over four seasons. So a solid multi-year deal from someone is surely in play for him next March.

Prediction makes long-term contract elusive for former Lions' RB D'Andre Swift

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report has authored some predictions for the running back market in terms of free agency and trades in 2024. Of course, he had a prediction for Swift.

Prediction: D'Andre Swift is franchise tagged by the Philadelphia Eagles

Here's a piece of what Kay wrote about the former Lion.

"Given his versatility and productivity, there should be plenty of squads eager to get Swift on their payroll this spring. The Eagles have been reticent to give out lengthy deals to running backs during Howie Roseman's time as general manager, but may have to break the mold to keep a player who fits their scheme so well. A franchise tag could also be in the cards if the Eagles—who are projected to have just $1.7 million in cap space going into the offseason—can find a way to fit it on the books."

A playoff run for the Eagles could be very impactful for Swift as he heads to the free agent market. But the Eagles do ultimately hold the franchise tag in their pocket to retain him, if they want to use it. It could be a placeholder to signing him to a multi-year deal to stay in Philadelphia.

Swift will hit the free agent market at the ideal time for a running back-coming off his best/healthiest year if he stays on the current track, and still young with peak years left. But his three years of being banged up in Detroit will not be completely forgotten either.