Fantasy Upside
After 10 years and 51 rushing touchdowns with the Panthers, Jonathan Stewart joins a Giants team that has struggled running the ball consistently ever since Tiki Barber’s prime years. Stewart has no shot at the starting job with first-round rookie Saquon Barkley in the fold, but he should play a traditional backup role. Should Barkley go down with an injury, Stewart could get a dozen carries per game, which would put him in borderline RB2 territory, particularly in standard league formats.
Fantasy Downside
Stewart is 31 years old, has a history of injuries, and only averaged 3.4 yards per carry last season. He’s lost the burst that made him dangerous early in his career, and he has no shot of competing for a starting job. He also may be challenged for backup and change-of-pace touches from Wayne Gallman, who showed flashes last year.
2018 Bottom Line
Stewart probably shouldn’t be drafted in most leagues as anything more than a handcuff on a team with a deep bench. Even if an injury forces him into a full workload, expect more of a committee approach with Gallman, and the Giants passing attack to do the heavy lifting.