When the Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall Thursday night, the writing was on the wall for D'Andre Swift. On Saturday, they traded him to the Eagles for a fourth-round pick in 2025, per ESPN. The teams also swapped seventh-rounders this year, with the Lions jumping from No. 249 to 219.
It's a homecoming for Swift, a second round pick of the Lions in 2020 who was born and raised in Philadelphia. And it's the latest move by GM Brad Holmes to clear Detroit's roster of building blocks of the prior regime.
Swift's departure isn't a huge surprise. The Lions drafted a younger, fresher version of him in Gibbs, an elusive pass-catching back who can take the top off the defense. Swift can be an explosive player himself, but he was dogged by injuries in Detroit, missing 10 games over three seasons. He's also entering his contract season.
Swift did average 5.5 yards per carry last season, but with a limited workload. His inability to either stay on the field or contribute at less than 100 percent left the Lions coaching staff frustrated.
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With Swift's departure, just two first- or second-round picks remain from the Bob Quinn era: Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow. The eight others have either been traded or let go.
The Lions will also have a brand new rushing tandem this season, with Gibbs replacing Swift and free agent signing David Montgomery replacing Jamaal Williams.
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