NFL free agency has officially begun. Devin Singletary spent the first four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills. Now, it appears the team is ready to move on. What are some possible landing spots for Singletary in free agency?
Devin Singletary Free Agency Landing Spots
Each free agent class is different, having its own strengths and weaknesses. This year’s running back class was initially loaded with guys like Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and Saquon Barkley set to hit the market. Unsurprisingly, each of their respective teams franchise-tagged them. Since then, we’ve seen a bevy of lesser-talented but still quality running backs find new teams as well.
The good news is there are still several potential landing spots for a player like Singletary. As long as Singletary has realistic expectations about his role, he should find a team willing to make him part of a committee.
Singletary entered free agency as the ninth-best running back in our Top 100 NFL Free Agents. However, seven of the eight guys listed above him have signed. Suddenly, Singletary may look much better to teams still searching for a running back.
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Singletary has been a capable running back during his four-year career. He’s averaged an impressive 4.7 yards per carry and amassed over 1,000 yards from scrimmage each of the past two seasons.
However, the Bills drafted James Cook in the third round last season. They seem content moving forward with him and another non-Singletary back as part of a committee.
According to Bills beat reporter Jon Scott, general manager Brandon Beane said they “will add another RB to roster and with James Cook and Nyheim Hines on the lighter side (200 lbs or so), that player likely heavier, power style.” At 203 pounds, it’s clear the Bills are looking for someone more powerful than Singletary.
With Singletary looking for a new team, let’s examine his potential landing spots in free agency.
The Colts Could Sign Singletary To Backup Jonathan Taylor
While I do think Singletary is good enough to be part of a committee, I’m not sure if the NFL views him that way. There also aren’t many spots that make sense.
When Jonathan Taylor went down last season, the Colts were starting the likes of Deon Jackson, Phillip Lindsay, and Zack Moss. At the very least, Singletary is better than all of them.
Singletary may not be a three-down back, but he’s capable of playing on all three downs if needed.
The Colts do have more pressing needs, particularly at wide receiver. But they have plenty of salary cap space and could use a quality backup running back.
Singletary Would Fit Nicely on the Buccaneers
It’s difficult to say the Bucs are trying to make another run this year after signing Baker Mayfield. But they’re certainly not trying to lose. Still, with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Bucs have enough talent to compete if Mayfield plays well.
After releasing Leonard Fournette, the Bucs’ only move at running has been to sign Chase Edmonds to a one-year deal. Edmonds is nothing more than roster depth. Look at Giovani Bernard’s role on the team the past two seasons — that’s what we can expect from Edmonds.
I do not believe the Bucs will go into the season with Rachaad White as their clear lead rusher. He profiles much better as the receiving back and is not someone with a three-down skill set.
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Singletary would be a solid Fournette replacement for Tampa Bay. While certainly a better receiver than he gets credit for, Singletary’s role has been as more of a two-down back. In Buffalo, he regularly ceded passing-down work to Cook.
The Bucs need another running back, but they don’t really have the funds to pay up for one. According to the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud, the “Bucs will be interested” in Ezekiel Elliott. But if they can’t get Elliott, Singletary sure looks like a suitable alternative.
After drafting White last season, they would be better served signing a veteran like Singletary than spending another Day 2 draft pick on the position. As a result, a one- or two-year deal for Singletary would work well for both sides.
The Texans Could Bring in Singletary To Pair With Dameon Pierce
Running back definitely isn’t a priority for the Texans. Dameon Pierce proved more than capable of being a three-down back last season. However, we’ve seen this story play out all too often with Day 3 picks and UDFAs.
Pierce totaled over 1,100 yards as a rookie. There’s no compelling need to replace him or give him competition. Yet, it seems to happen more than it should to running backs without draft capital.
With about $22 million in cap space, perhaps the Texans look to move to more of a committee this season. Pierce broke down toward the end of his rookie year. Singletary could mix in for 6-8 carries a game, taking some of the load off of Pierce. It’s a decent enough landing spot for the former Bills RB.