Tyrone Tracy Jr.
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New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. can take on a different role after the team's changes at quarterback.
Big changes at quarterback for the New York Giants are tipped to lead to a new role for dynamic second-year running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. One based on taking greater advantage of the skills and versatility of last season’s draft steal in the passing game.
A revealing play from OTAs has Dan Schneier of CBS Sports believing “we might see Tracy used by the Giants on a wider variety of routes if they trust the QB to throw those routes well.”
Schneier made his case after watching veteran passer Russell Wilson connecting with Tracy over the middle.
Love the hands catch by Tyrone Tracy here on a fastball — we might see Tracy used by the Giants on a wider variety of routes if they trust the QB to throw those routes well. This was a good toss too — the trajectory and velocity it needed to fit a tight window https://t.co/3ZbQQZj4xC
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) June 10, 2025
It would make sense for the Giants to feature Tracy more often as a pass-catcher. The former Purdue star taken in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft is a converted wide receiver with the route-running skills to consistently beat coverage at the pro level.
Those skills can make the 25-year-old an invaluable check-down target for Wilson. The latter is expected to expand the air attack for the Giants thanks to his talent for throwing the deep ball, but having a reliable underneath option would increase Wilson’s chances of keeping the starting job.
Giants QB Changes Good for Tyrone Tracy Jr.
The Giants replacing last season’s carousel of unconvincing signal-callers, led by regretful former first-rounder Daniel Jones, with Wilson and others is good news for skill players like Tracy.
He can benefit more than most by taking on a larger workload as part of a more expansive passing game. A pass attack with greater sophistication would take advantage of Tracy’s ample experience as a receiver, including “4 seasons at Iowa and one at Purdue” playing the position, per Giants.com.
Tracy provided good examples of his potential as a playmaking receiver during a breakout rookie campaign. The best was this toe-tap grab at the back of the end zone against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16.
New York Giants
Toe Tap TD for Tyrone Tracy Jr.!
📺: FOX
While the catch was impressive, the other noteworthy detail involved Tracy beginning the play split out wide. Giants head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka need to continue drawing up ways to isolate Tracy in space.
Getting creative will lead to Tracy running more than the 224 routes he ran last season, per Player Profiler. Increasing Tracy’s work as a receiver can help the Giants compensate for the lack of a prolific tight end on the roster, as well as ease the burden on star wideout Malik Nabers.
The burden will also be lessened by a more consistent and productive running game. Tracy should play his part, but the Giants ensured he’ll have better support in Year 2.
Giants Building Better RB Committee
Using a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft to select Cam Skattebo gave the Giants a natural power runner. Skattebo’s brute force is the ideal complement to Tracy’s acceleration and elusiveness.
Add in the veteran savvy and flexibility of Devin Singletary, and the Giants finally have enough pieces to replace Saquon Barkley. He made team brass regret the decision to let him walk in free agency by rushing for over 2,000 yards and helping NFC East rivals the Philadelphia Eagles win last season’s Super Bowl, while the Giants slumped to 3-14.
Tracy was one of the few bright spots of last season, and he’s targeting even better standards in his second year. To that end, Tracy told reporters he’s using a “grip strengthener” to help make sure he’s “fundamentally sound” when holding the football, per SNY.tv’s Giants Videos.
Giants Videos
“I want to be one of the great New York Giants running backs”
Tyrone Tracy Jr. is using a grip strengthener every night to improve his ball control as he looks to take a step forward in his second year
Improving ball security is the necessary next step toward achieving “consistency” after Tracy fumbled five times as a rookie, according to Pro Football Reference. Tracy must prove he’s reliable enough to be trusted to catch more passes from either Wilson, experienced backup Jameis Winston or 2025 first-rounder Jaxson Dart.