Just before the NFL free agency period began, New York Giants running back Devin Singletary agreed to reduce his salary to continue playing for the team. Facing a $6.5 million cap hit and initially expected to leave, Singletary accepted a pay cut that lowers his $5.25 million base salary, allowing him to remain with the Giants for the upcoming season.
Details on Contract Adjustment and Singletary’s Role
The specific figures related to Singletary’s reduced pay or any performance-based incentives tied to earning back lost salary have not yet been disclosed. Singletary, also known as “Motor,” is entering the final year of his three-year contract with the Giants. When he signed, the coaching staff saw him as the lead running back within a committee approach and valued his experience as a mentor for younger backs joining the team.
Performance and Contributions Over Two Seasons
In 32 games, including six starts, Singletary has amassed 874 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, and notable pass protection skills. Last season, he distinguished himself as the strongest pass blocker among the Giants’ running backs, with a 67.0 pass blocking grade compared to teammates Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s 45.5 and Cam Skattebo’s 11.6.
His effectiveness was particularly evident in short-yardage situations, where power and reliability are crucial. Among 27 runs that required 1 to 3 yards for a first down last year, Singletary successfully converted 15 (55.6%), scoring twice on these plays. Over his two seasons with the Giants, he has gained 122 yards on 46 such carries, scored five touchdowns, and converted 30 first downs, maintaining a 65.2% conversion rate on short-yardage attempts.
Impact on Running Back Depth and Future Team Decisions
Keeping Singletary suggests the Giants are reconsidering their approach to running back acquisitions, potentially affecting their interest in free agent Kenneth Walker III from the Seattle Seahawks, who is expected to command around $9 million annually. Singletary’s presence, coupled with the pay cut, may reduce the urgency to invest heavily in additional running back talent.
It remains uncertain whether Singletary will be assigned a specific role such as the short-yardage specialist on the roster, but his strong performance in that area makes it a plausible option. The incentives included in his new contract may further motivate him to maintain or elevate his level of play.
Significance of Singletary’s Decision for Giants’ Roster Stability
By agreeing to a lower salary, Devin Singletary offers the Giants continuity at a position where experience and special teams contributions are valuable. His pass blocking ability and short-yardage effectiveness enhance the offensive options available to the coaching staff. The decision to retain Singletary helps stabilize the running back group as the Giants prepare for the next season, possibly influencing strategic moves in free agency and draft planning.
“Surprise! The Giants offered RB Devin Singletary a pay cut to remain, which he accepted. This graphic might provide a hint into why the Giants wanted to keep Motor. pic.twitter.com/0Frash6FzS”
— Locked On Giants (@LockedOn_Giants)
Sources: The #Giants and RB Devin Singletary have agreed to a restructured contract to keep him in New York.
‘Motor’ has 1,144 total yards and 9 TDs with the Giants, and both sides wanted to keep the relationship going with new HC John Harbaugh. pic.twitter.com/ikRKLTNsT5
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 6, 2026
Surprise! The Giants offered RB Devin Singletary a pay cut to remain, which he accepted. This graphic might provide a hint into why the Giants wanted to keep "Motor." pic.twitter.com/0Frash6FzS
— Locked On Giants (@LockedOn_Giants) March 6, 2026
