Chargers may target a new star running back under Jim Harbaugh

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated 2/2/24

The Los Angeles Chargers will have plenty of decisions to make regarding their roster during this offseason. They've secured their head coach in Jim Harbaugh, and he is an elite team builder.

The future of Austin Ekeler in LA is a storyline to watch. The Chargers running back has been productive in recent years, but his explosiveness and speed are both limited at this point in his career. That became very evident in 2023.

Could the Chargers target New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley? Former NFL QB under Harbaugh Ryan Leaf believes so.

#Giants Saquon Barkley at the top of Jim Harbaugh’s #Chargers wish list.

That guy with the 44-19 NFL record and coming off a national title really doesnt get weighing positional value vs how talented players win games, I guess.

pic.twitter.com/Uj1ek5V1ax
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) February 2, 2024

Barkley is scheduled to be a free agent. He and the Giants don't seem close on a long-term extension, and another franchise tag would not be ideal for either side.

Barkley wants some stability over multiple seasons, and the price of the tag would be extremely high for New York. The Chargers would be making a clear upgrade at RB if they could work out a way to pick Barkley up.

Jim Harbaugh made it clear in his introductory press conference that he is focused on building an offense around Justin Herbert.

"First of all, the quarterback we have, protect him. Protect his environment. Also, beef up the run game. Play action pass, the dropback game, we're gonna get as great as we can." -- Harbaugh

Adding a top-flight rusher won't be out of the question, even with Los Angeles a bit strapped when it comes to cap space. Harbaugh and co. will make it work in order to put talent around their franchise quarterback.

Barkley totaled 962 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns for an offense that did not have much around him this past season. He's a solid pass blocker and a good receiver out of the backfield.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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