Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s future with the New York Giants is anything but guaranteed heading into the 2025 season, despite an impressive rookie campaign that should not be overlooked. While Tracy was one of the few bright spots from a weak 2024 running back class, the competition in the Giants’ backfield has gotten significantly tougher.
The 2024 draft was light on impact runners, with Jonathon Brooks — coming off a torn ACL — being the first taken at No. 46 overall, followed by Trey Benson, Blake Corum, and MarShawn Lloyd. Combined, those four backs managed only 535 rushing yards all season, highlighting just how exceptional Tracy’s performance truly was.
Originally a wide receiver at Iowa before switching to running back at Purdue, Tracy brought versatility and explosiveness to the Giants’ offense. As a Day 3 draft pick, expectations were modest, but Tracy shattered them, finishing his rookie season with 839 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and 1,123 scrimmage yards. His 4.9 yards per touch over 230 touches is elite for any rookie — let alone one transitioning to a new position. Few mid-round rookies shoulder that kind of workload in their first year, making Tracy’s emergence all the more remarkable.
Still, despite that breakout performance, Tracy’s role in the offense is now uncertain due to New York’s latest investment in the backfield: fourth-round pick Cam Skattebo. Skattebo, one of college football’s most productive running backs, was a standout at Arizona State and arrives in New York with a bruising, all-purpose style that’s expected to earn immediate touches. While he may not be named the starter in Week 1, Skattebo is poised to carve out a meaningful role early on.
The Giants’ coaching staff now faces a challenging decision: ride with the proven explosiveness of Tracy or begin shifting reps toward the newly drafted Skattebo, who some view as a long-term solution. It’s possible both will share the load, but in an NFL where touches are limited and roles must be earned daily, Tracy will have to reassert himself in camp. After all, roster spots — and snap counts — don’t get handed out based on last year’s stats.
In a league that constantly churns through talent, Tracy’s journey from forgotten receiver to productive NFL back is already rare — but sustaining success will be his biggest test yet. With another young back now breathing down his neck, the margin for error has shrunk. Still, if his 2024 season was any indication, Tracy may not go quietly.
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