NY Giants RB Depth Chart Explained: Why the Backfield Is Changing So Fast

NY Giants RB Depth Chart Explained: Why the Backfield Is Changing So Fast

The New York Giants backfield isn't what it used to be. Honestly, the days of Saquon Barkley being the sun that every other planet in the offense orbited around are long gone. It’s 2026, and the NY Giants RB depth chart looks like a chaotic experiment in finding "the next guy."

If you haven't been keeping up with the latest roster shuffles following the 2025 season, you've probably noticed that things got weirdly productive last year. The Giants actually finished fifth in the league in rushing. That sounds like elite news, right? Well, it’s a bit of a trick. A huge chunk of those yards came from the legs of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. But when you look at the actual running backs, the hierarchy has flipped on its head.

The New Order: Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Going into this offseason, the guy everyone is talking about is Cam Skattebo. He was a fourth-round pick out of Arizona State in 2025, and he basically bullied his way to the top of the pile. He’s not the fastest guy—let's be real, his breakaway speed is lacking—but defensive backs absolutely hate him. He plays like a linebacker who accidentally ended up with the ball.

Skattebo took over the starting job around Week 4 last year and didn't look back until a nasty ankle injury ended his season in Week 8. Before he went down, he was the heartbeat of the ground game. He’s that classic short-yardage thumper who can also catch passes. If he's healthy, he's the RB1.

Then you have Tyrone Tracy Jr., who is sort of the lightning to Skattebo's thunder. Tracy led the team with 637 rushing yards last season over 14 games. He’s a former wide receiver, and it shows. He slithers through gaps rather than smashing them. While he isn't exactly a "bell cow" back, he’s a plus contributor who just recently made headlines for getting engaged—so he’s winning on and off the field right now.

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The Veteran Question: Devin Singletary

Where does this leave Devin Singletary? This is where the business side of the NFL gets cold. "Motor" Singletary is 28 now, and while he’s still reliable, he’s basically become the odd man out in a youth movement.

Singletary is entering the final year of his contract in 2026, with a cap hit of about $6.5 million. Most analysts, including those over at Heavy Sports and Spotrac, are calling him a "near-guarantee" to be cut before free agency starts. The Giants can save $5.25 million by letting him go, with only a tiny $1.25 million dead cap hit. It's a "thanks for the service" situation, but the writing is on the wall.

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Deep Depth and Special Teams

Further down the list, things get even more crowded. Eric Gray is still there, but his path to playing time is looking like a dead end. After the team drafted Skattebo, Gray was basically relegated to a depth piece and occasional special teams help. He had some flashes in the 2024 preseason, but he hasn't been able to leapfrog the newer talent.

  • Dante Miller: Known for his speed, Miller remains a developmental project.
  • Cam Skattebo: Currently rehabing but expected to be the focal point.
  • Tyrone Tracy Jr.: The versatile "Swiss Army Knife" of the room.

The reality of the NY Giants RB depth chart is that it’s built for a dual-threat QB. Because Jaxson Dart is so dangerous with his legs, the running backs don't need to be 30-touch-a-game superstars. They just need to be efficient and keep the defense honest.

What to Watch This Offseason

Don't be surprised if Joe Schoen adds another mid-to-late round pick or a cheap veteran to this room. They need more "firepower" according to some position reviews, especially since Skattebo is coming off an injury.

If you're a fan or a fantasy manager, keep your eyes on the waiver wire. If Singletary is indeed cut, Tracy’s value skyrockets, but Skattebo is the guy with the "it" factor that Giants fans have fallen in love with. He’s a football player in the truest sense—he loves the contact, hates going out of bounds, and brings a defensive mentality to the offensive side of the ball.

Next Steps for Giants Fans:
Monitor the official transactions list as we approach the March league year start. If Singletary’s name appears on the release list, it confirms the team is fully handing the keys to the Skattebo-Tracy duo. You should also check the NFL Scouting Combine reports in February; the Giants have shown they aren't afraid to draft a running back every single year to keep the room young and cheap.