Potential Landing Spots for Saquon Barkley
As the start of free agency gets underway next week, the running back market is projected to be a sought-after position this offseason with several star players such as Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and more searching for new teams. Over the past couple of off-seasons, the running back position has been viewed as being undervalued by owners and general managers, as veteran players such as Barkley and Henry have voiced their eagerness to sign a contract that matches how much they view themselves to be worth. After playing on the franchise tag last season for the Giants, Barkley enters this offseason looking to sign a long-term deal with a new squad as the Giants declined to tag the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year for a second straight season. With Barkley anticipated to be a hot commodity this free agency, here are four potential suitors for the two-time Pro Bowl running back.
1. Dallas Cowboys
Following the decision to not franchise tag running back Tony Pollard this past week, the Cowboys are anticipated to be in search of an upgrade at the running back position. Owner Jerry Jones of the Cowboys has never shied away from making bigger investments at the running back position. Jones has been emphasizing that the offense was led by Ezekiel Elliott for the greater part of ten years. With the addition of Barkley, the Cowboys would be adding a respectable three-down back to the offense, someone who can both increase Dak Prescott's ability to catch passes and make more plays at the goal line and in short yardage than Pollard did in 2023. It’s true that Dallas would have to stretch their budget to sign Barkley, as the Cowboys sit more than $4 million over the salary cap. However, in recent years, we have seen teams fit contracts into tight spaces; perhaps Jones and the Cowboys’ front office can free up space in some way.
2. Houston Texans
Following a resurgent 2023-24 season, the Texans are an up-and-coming team that could find themselves wanting to make a splash in free agency. The signing of Barkley to the Texans would provide a great fit to a team that has future aspirations of making deep playoff runs for years to come. Houston made it to the divisional round in just their first season under head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, so there’s plenty of hope for the future. In terms of rushing yards per game (92.7), the offense was 28th in the league this season. In addition to helping the running game, Barkley would be a valuable outlet for Stroud as a pass receiver if he were placed in that backfield. With former Texans running back Devin Singletary becoming a free agent this offseason, Barkley would fulfill a need within the Texans’ offense.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Coming off an AFC Championship Game appearance last season, the Ravens have been rumored to be interested in potentially adding a veteran running back this offseason as J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are entering free agency. Though general manager Eric DeCosta recently stated that he would like to re-sign both Dobbins and Edwards, Barkley is a better receiver than the other, which might give two-time MVP Lamar Jackson more passing options. With the Ravens having an excellent offensive line, any running back would find it to be a great fit to play within a dynamic offense that the Ravens have developed with Jackson as their quarterback. As the Ravens find themselves with an opening in their backfield this offseason, Barkley would be an excellent fit and would have an immediate impact in Baltimore.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
Head coach Jim Harbaugh stated during his first press conference that improving the run game was a primary objective this offseason. The addition of Barkley to the Chargers would likely help Harbaugh get closer to accomplishing that goal. Over the next three to four seasons, Barkley would be able to become a reliable weapon for quarterback Justin Herbert, as wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams approach the latter years of their contracts and Austin Ekeler is expected to test free agency. Last season, Ekeler saw a dip in his running back production, as he was limited to 628 rushing yards, which ranked 38th in the league. In comparison, Barkley, who played in 14 games last season, rushed for 962 yards, which ranked 16th in the league. With the expected revamped offense under Harbaugh, the addition of Barkley could provide the spark that is needed to jolt the Chargers back into playoff contention next season.
