The New York Giants surprised many by choosing to keep running back Devin Singletary for the 2026 season, despite earlier expectations that the veteran would be released to free up salary cap space. Instead of entering the free-agent market aggressively for new backs, the Giants restructured Singletary’s deal to bring him back for his third campaign with the team. This move ensures continuity in the Giants’ backfield while managing financial commitments.
Singletary, who has consistently gained 437 rushing yards in both of his first two years with the Giants, played 17 games with 119 carries and scored five rushing touchdowns during the 2025 season. Entering his eighth NFL season in 2026, Singletary will turn 29 just before the start of the campaign, making him a seasoned presence in the Big Blue running backs room.
Contract Restructuring Secures Singletary’s Spot Amid Potential New Talent
The Giants had been linked to high-profile running backs this offseason, including free agent Kenneth Walker III and Notre Dame’s Jeremyiah Love, a top draft prospect. However, with Singletary’s contract reworked, the Giants appear less likely to pursue either of these options unless an injury slows second-year player Cam Skattebo.
According to Jordan Schultz from the Schultz Report, Singletary and the Giants came to terms on a restructure that likely reduces guaranteed money owed to the running back. Dan Duggan of The Athletic indicated the revised deal probably lowers Singletary’s $6.5 million cap hit, which originally included a $5 million base salary.
“Singletary had a $6.5M cap hit with a $5M base salary,”
Dan Duggan, NFL Analyst
“Have to assume that $5M got reduced significantly, probably with incentives to try to earn some back.”
Dan Duggan, NFL Analyst
Singletary’s Role as a Reliable Depth Back in the Giants’ Running Game
Entering the final year of his three-year, $16.5 million contract, Singletary will likely serve as the Giants’ third running back while providing veteran depth. This year was projected to carry the highest salary cap impact in the deal, but releasing him would have saved the team over $5 million according to Over The Cap.
With younger backs Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo expected to lead New York’s rushing attack, Singletary offers the Giants a familiar option at a predictable cost. Though his yardage production has declined since his peak years with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans between 2021 and 2023, Singletary remains valuable for his versatility—blocking in pass protection, catching passes out of the backfield, and providing shiftiness on runs.
While Singletary recorded a career-low 18 receptions in 2025, his average of 8.4 yards per catch was a career best, boosted when he stepped up following Skattebo’s season-ending ankle injury in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Evaluating Giants’ Running Back Depth and Future Prospects
Though the Giants were linked to potential additions like Walker and Love, the commitment to Singletary and trust in Tracy and Skattebo suggests a preference for building around known players. Tracy, who transitioned from wide receiver at Iowa, has proven effective both running and catching, accumulating over 1,000 scrimmage yards in consecutive seasons (2024 and 2025). Skattebo, meanwhile, has shown promise with 617 scrimmage yards in his second year and looks poised to remain a core piece of the backfield.
Retaining Singletary at a reduced salary creates a balanced trio that combines experience, versatility, and youthful potential. The Giants could further strengthen their running back group in future drafts by selecting a late-round prospect to develop, providing insurance and competition for the 2027 season and beyond.
