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Giants' Rising UDFA Has Placed an Established Veteran on Notice
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- Giants' Rising UDFA Has Placed an Established Veteran on Notice
We already know that Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy will be the New York Giants ' top two running backs heading into 2026, and as of right now, Devin Singletary is the No. 3 back on the depth chart.
The fact that Singletary is still on the squad is actually surprising considering most felt the Giants would cut him and pocket $5.25 million after last season. But, New York elected to bring him back.
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However, that does not necessarily mean that Singletary is a shoo-in to make the 53-man roster. Why? Because of an undrafted rookie named Damon Bankston.
The Giants jumped on Bankston after the NFL Draft back in April, as they loved the versatility he displayed at both Weber State and New Mexico.
Bankston did a little bit of everything in college. He carried the ball, he caught passes, he returned kicks and he even showed impressive chops as a blocker in spite of his diminutive 5-foot-10, 186-pound frame.
So, could Bankston actually find his way on to New York's roster in 2026?
I don't think anyone can deny that Bankston has a chance to make the team. Singletary has been largely uninspiring since signing a three-year, $16.5 million contract with Big Blue in March 2024, finishing with 437 rushing yards in each of his first two years with the club.
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Singletary was a far more productive player in Buffalo and Houston, but has failed to make his mark in New York. Perhaps it has been the system, or maybe the 28-year-old just isn't very good anymore.
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
Whatever the case may be, Singletary has underwhelmed with the Giants, and it has opened the door for Bankston to steal a roster spot.
Regardless of the buzz surrounding New York heading into 2026, let's be honest: the Giants are in rebuilding mode. Yes, they should be better under John Harbaugh next season, but those expecting them to make the playoffs are probably going to end up disappointed.
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The key for Harbaugh and Co. right now is to build a roster featuring as much young talent as possible, and the cold hard truth is that Singletary does not fit that bill. Bankston, on the other hand, does.
The 23-year-old rushed for 635 yards and five touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry during his lone season at New Mexico in 2025, also catching 31 passes for 397 yards and three scores. He racked up 434 kick-return yards as well as a pair of return touchdowns, as well.
Additionally, Bankston put together an 1,100-yard campaign throughout his final year at Weber State in 2024, logging 6.2 yards per attempt in the process.
The Katy, Tx. native possesses tremendous speed and is very shifty and brings to mind the brief flashes Giants fans saw from David Wilson years ago before the electrifying halfback was forced to retire due to recurring injuries.
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Essentially, Bankston brings a whole lot to the table that Singletary simply doesn't, so it should make things interesting between now and cutdown day.
Now, that doesn't necessarily mean New York would have to release Singletary in order to place Bankston on the roster, but it's certainly a distinct possibility.
Taking that into consideration, Singletary should absolutely be looking over his shoulder in training camp.
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