Bills RB mentioned as possible Saquon Barkley replacement for Giants

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen could look to a familiar face as a replacement for running back Saquon Barkley come March. 

For a piece published on Friday, Bob Brookover of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com linked the Giants with Buffalo Bills ball carrier Devin Singletary. Schoen served as Bills assistant general manager when Singletary enjoyed his best rushing season, to date, playing under current New York head coach and former Buffalo offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. 

Singletary and Barkley, both 25, possess different physical traits, and Barkley is the more explosive home-run hitter of the two options. As with many things in life and football, Schoen's decision could come down to money. 

Brookover mentioned that Spotrac estimates Barkley’s market value is an average annual salary of approximately $12.3 million per season. On a four-year deal, he could cost the Giants a total of $49.26 million. To compare, Spotrac lists Singletary's market value at slightly over $5.5 million on a three-year contract. 

Playing in Daboll's offense during the 2021 season, Singletary rushed for career highs of 870 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 40 of 50 targets for 228 yards and an additional score. 

Per Maddy Glab and Grace Heidinger of the Bills' website, Singletary said after Buffalo's playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday he'd "love to be back" but also realizes that the NFL is "a business" as he prepares to hit free agency when the new league year opens in March. 

Schoen is embracing a similar mindset for different reasons. Both Barkley and Giants quarterback Daniel Jones are on track to hit free agency, and Jones could cost Big Blue anywhere between $30-40 million per season if the club signs him to a new deal. The executive made it known earlier this week that keeping Jones is a top priority, and signing the signal-caller could allow the Giants to use the franchise tag to retain Barkley's rights for the 2023 campaign. 

Jordan Raanan of ESPN noted on Monday that the franchise tag for a running back next season will likely cost around $9.9 million. The deadline to use such an asset is March 7.