In a move that will likely make many New York Giants fans scratch their heads, the team decided to sign former Carolina Panthers veteran running back Jonathan Stewart on Tuesday afternoon, as reported in a tweet by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
The 31-year-old running back, who spent his first 10 seasons with the Panthers after being selected with the No. 13 overall pick out of the University of Oregon, is on his way to New York and will join new Giants offensive coordinator Mike Shula.
“Former Panthers' RB Jonathan Stewart is expected to sign with the New York Giants, per source. Rejoins his former Panthers' OC Mike Shula in NY,” Schefter said.
It is no secret that the Giants are looking to improve their dreadful running game from the 2017 season, but this move doesn't exactly solve the Giants' problems at the running back position. Stewart surely adds a veteran presence to their inexperienced backfield, but a more youthful approach through free agency was expected from the Giants.
Stewart's 3.4 yards per carry this past season happened to rank No. 32 among the 34 qualified running backs who had at least 150 carries in 2017. He was only ahead of the Arizona Cardinals' Adrian Peterson and the Detroit Lions' Ameer Abdullah, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Will the Giants still put a lot of emphasis towards the running back position in the early rounds? If the Cleveland Browns decide not to take Penn State star Saquon Barkley at No. 1, the Giants simply can't pass on a talent like him.
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