The consensus around the league is that the New York Giants could end up losing Saquon Barkley in the offseason. Both parties would resume negotiations like last season, hoping for a middle ground. But if they fail to reach an agreement, the 27-year-old speedster may suit up other than the Giants Blue next season.
Yet Barkley would prefer staying in New York because, time and time again, he has spoken of being a Giant for life. The easiest solution would be to franchise tag him once again, but they apparently will not out of respect for the star player.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan backed the claim while appearing on 98.7 ESPN Radio. Raanan said,
It seems like this is headed for Barkley to hit free agency.
Complex.com reported that Barkley always had intentions of remaining with the Giants despite their poor form.
I mean, it never crossed my mind until last year, after I got tagged. Up until that moment, I really believed that I was going to finish my career as a New York Giant. Barkley said
But with football and the NFL being business sports, he realized that his dream may come to an end someday.
When you go through the tag process, you realize how much of a business it is.
5 potential landing spots for Saquon Barkley
Unlike last season, which only had one prominent name (Josh Jacobs) in the market besides Barkley, in 2024, free agency is loaded with superstar running backs, which include Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, Tony Pollard , Josh Jacobs , and D’Andre Swift, which could pose a challenge for Barkley to bag a good deal.
Each one of them has their own innate qualities, despite playing the same position. Barkley will undoubtedly be one of the top two RBs eyed by several franchises. It’s easy to think that because, despite being part of a horrible front line, the two-time Pro Bowler recorded 1,242 total yards with 10 total touchdowns. So it’s a given that he would be in high demand. On that note, here are the teams that may potentially sign Saquon Barkley.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the dark horses for landing Barkley. Designated running back Joe Mixon had a great 2023 season, registering 1,410 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns, even though the Bengals were dead last in rushing yards per game.
Mixon’s time is up after the 2024 season, but the Bengals restructured his contract last year, which would result in them releasing the player. By doing so, the Bengals would clear $6.1 in cap money, boasting a cap space of $61 million. So it would be easy to acquire Saquon. Imagining a front line of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Barkley should strike fear for AFC North teams.
4. Dallas Cowboys
This may anger a few Giants fans, but Saquon Barkley moving to Arlington isn’t farfetched. With Tony Pollard set to enter free agency, the Dallas Cowboys need a running back. Pollard’s output suffered after recovering from injury since taking over from Ezekiel Elliott.
The 6-foot, 232-pound Barkley has all the explosiveness that the Cowboys would desire in a well-drilled offense. Their lack of a run game came back to bite them back in the playoffs. But the issue will be money. The Cowboys are projected to be $14 million over the cap and are thinking about extending Dak Prescott‘s contract.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Yes, another NFC East team. Similar to the Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles would greatly benefit from signing Barkley. The Eagles currently have a little over $20 million in cap space, but there are several players, including their runningback, D’Andre Swift, who will soon be a free agent. So it should free up a chunk of cash in the bank.
The Eagles’ capitulation last season was a thing to behold. They were 10-1 after 11 games, but one just once in the last 6, then crashed out in the wild card. If the Eagles can bring Barkley in, then they should be legit Super Bowl dark horses.
2. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans could be a great place for Saquon to play. A young quarterback, CJ Stroud, who led the team to the playoffs, is on a controlled contract. This would allow them to be aggressive in the market as well as in the draft.
Tank Dell and Nico Collins became Stroud’s best receivers, and Devin Singletary racked up his best numbers with 898 rushing yards. In retrospect, the Texans squad is very complete and doesn’t need much chopping and changing. But adding Barkley to the backfield would create a dual threat, which would make other teams sweat.
1. Baltimore Ravens
If Barkley wants to move to some other place, then he should look no further than the Baltimore Ravens. He will get the chance to play with two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. On top of that, learn from the new offensive coordinator, Todd Monken.
The Ravens had the best run offense in the league in 2023. They averaged 4.9 yards per carry as a team. JK Dobbins missed a chunk of the season through injury, allowing Gus Edwards to register career-high numbers. Edwards had 810 rushing yards on 198 attempts with 13 touchdowns. With both of them free agents, the Ravens are only left with Dalvin Cook and Keaton Mitchell.
While Cook could take over as the starter, it always leaves the door open for a new face to come in. That could easily be Saquon Barkley. He, along with Jackson, who had 821 yards on 148 carries, would light up the league. If the Ravens’ front office can fix their $5.7 under-cap issue, the Baltimore crowd should expect fireworks.
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