With the announcement that Saquon Barkley won’t be franchise tagged by his former home, the New York Giants, he becomes one of the most interesting names to enter NFL free agency during the offseason. To have a player on your team that’s shown to be an electrifying addition to your offense is certainly something that would be welcomed.
But, why would that mean that someone of Barkley’s caliber wouldn’t be welcomed back to the franchise? There would be three reasons for that: durability, money and the NFL Draft.
As for his durability, the former Penn State back first showed signs of this issue during the 2020 season, when a knee injury forced him out of the season. From there, other than an impressive 2022 season, Barkley has shown signs of the injury bug throughout his career. Unfortunately for the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year winner, he plays at one of the most dispensable positions in all of the NFL: running back.
That brings me to my second reason as to why Barkley won’t be brought back: money. After being placed on the franchise tag last season, a second straight year in that position would cost New York a total of $12.1 million. As mentioned previously, running backs are one of the most replaceable positions possible, and unless you’re one of the most prolific at your position, you’re already on the chopping block. If Barkley was in the position decades prior, he most likely would’ve already been signed to a bigger contract by the Giants or another NFL squad. But, because of my third reason, he most likely may be in a different position next season.
It’s no secret that the NFL Draft has been incredible in finding plenty of running back talent in previous seasons. Just ask the Atlanta Falcons or Detroit Lions, who scooped up two incredible young players in Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, respectively. While this upcoming NFL Draft may not have the names of last year, there are certainly options the Giants could clinch for cheaper than $12.1 million.
With that being said, while the 2018 NFL Draft pick certainly has the option to head back to New York, there should be plenty of suitors on the market who may be willing to open their checkbooks for Barkley. As for as those options, here are three of them that I could see Barkley in:
The Dallas Cowboys
As crazy as it sounds for Barkley to jump ship to a division rival, it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds when you consider the position that Dallas is in.
Following the team’s elimination in the NFL Playoffs and their decision to not tag Tony Pollard, they’re going to need to get another option in that department if they ultimately choose not to resign Pollard. Because the Cowboys are looking toward having a massive rebound season, someone like Barkley would certainly be a great option.
Since Dallas consistently has an excellent offensive line and the former Giant has shown to be both a great rushing and passing back, it should be clear that Barkley should be at the top of owner Jerry Jones’ wish list if they opt to replace Pollard. That fact remains especially true with the current outlook of this Cowboys roster.
Baltimore Ravens
While it was certainly an incredible season for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, the team fell just short at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. This unit is certainly strong, but with Gus Edwards headed to free agency, they could certainly upgrade their offense with Barkley.
This team’s offense is already a powerhouse with Lamar Jackson at its helm, and Barkley would probably cost less than Edwards if they choose to resign him. However, this is the same team that dropped $15 million on former Giant Odell Beckham Jr. so it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if they opt to add another big offensive weapon.
Las Vegas Raiders
According to the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard, Las Vegas has already expressed interest in Barkley for good reason.
After deciding to let Josh Jacobs have a chance at free agency, the team could choose to pivot toward the former Giant in this new era of Raiders football. Following a disappointing 2023 for Jacobs himself, it’s certainly an option. But compared to the potential locations that I just named for Barkley, it’s not going to be at the top of his list unless Las Vegas brings out the checkbook, especially when you consider how long Jacobs has been a Raider. But that’s unfortunately not very realistic considering what the former Penn State back brings to the table and the money that teams like New York have already declined to pay him.