Ryan Leaf predicts Chargers will pursue this Pro Bowl RB
The Los Angeles Chargers will be fascinating to follow this offseason after the hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh, and one former NFL quarterback believes the team will make a significant splash in free agency.
During an appearance on Friday's episode of "Good Morning Football," Ryan Leaf, the No. 2 pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, spoke about Harbaugh's hiring and predicted one of the coach's first moves of the offseason.
Leaf highlighted that RB Austin Ekeler's dual-threat skill set fits the mold of what Harbaugh wants to incorporate into his offense. However, since Ekeler is coming off his worst season since 2020 (1,064 all-purpose yards, six total touchdowns) and will be a free agent this offseason, Leaf believes Harbaugh's Chargers will pursue a fellow former second overall pick.
"I do think Saquon Barkley is going to be at the top of his list in terms of what he wants to do at the running back position," Leaf said. "[The Giants] can franchise tag him again, but that's a lot of money. It's something Jim Harbaugh wants to do. He wants to run the football and wants to use those guys down the field with play-action."
Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowler, posted 962 rushing yards with 10 total touchdowns in 14 games this season. The 26-year-old is set to hit free agency for the second consecutive offseason after playing on an adjusted franchise tag in 2023 since he was unable to secure a long-term extension with the Giants.
As Leaf pointed out, New York can franchise tag Barkley again this offseason. The star running back said last month he hopes to resolve this situation long before the deadline for teams to designate franchise players (March 5). Even so, Giants GM Joe Schoen appeared to be in no rush to make such a decision when speaking to reporters at the Reese's Senior Bowl on Tuesday.
Although Barkley has been a franchise cornerstone for the Giants since being drafted in 2018 and is one of the most respected players in the locker room, it wouldn't be too surprising if they finally parted ways.
It’s worth highlighting that Harbaugh and Barkley have some history together, dating back to a series of Big Ten clashes between Michigan and Penn State from 2015-17. While Harbaugh's Wolverines got the best of Barkley's Nittany Lions on two occasions, Barkley dominated their final meeting, racking up 161 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns en route to a 42-13 Penn State win.
History suggests that paying a premium on a free-agent running back is unwise, but it's almost impossible to deny that Barkley would be an exciting addition alongside QB Justin Herbert and WR Keenan Allen.
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