The New York Giants have made some moves to the roster, signing running back Rod Smith and waiving running back Robert Martin.
It looks like the New York Giants are shuffling around their roster, specifically at running back. A position that’s led by 2018 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Saquon Barkley, there will be a tight competition for the backup spot next season.
On Wednesday, the Giants signed former Cowboys running back Rod Smith. Smith played one game for the Seattle Seahawks in 2015, but in 16 games for Dallas last year, Smith had 127 rushing yards and one touchdown. He also caught nine balls for 60 yards through the air.
Smith will compete against the likes of Wayne Gallman and Paul Perkins, along with former Rutgers University running back Jon Hilliman. Barkley is the clear cut favorite to be the starter for the Giants. He’ll be looking to improve on the spectacular rookie season he had. The former Penn State Nittany Lion rushed for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
The Giants then waived running back Robert Martin on Thursday, opening up the backup spot for Smith, Gallman, Perkins and Hilliman. The Giants signed Martin last year as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Rutgers. Martin spent the entire 2018 season on the Giants practice squad
Martin rushed for 2,274 yards and 18 touchdowns in 43-career games for the Scarlet Knights from 2014-2017. He also had 20 receptions for 135 yards through the air.
At this point, the competition between these four backups will be a tight one. Gallman has worked as a backup running back the last two seasons and is the early favorite to retain his spot as the No. 2 back behind Barkley. Perkins missed all of last year due to injury, therefore at a disadvantage when it comes to getting back into the swing of things.
Smith and Hilliman will most likely work towards the No. 3 spot. One of them will possibly be cut before the regular season begins.