After six years with the New York Giants, Saquon Barkley is heading to free agency. While the market for running backs – even great ones – has not been nearly as robust as it once was, there should still be options for the two-time Pro Bowler in 2024.
From playoff contenders to teams that just have some extra cash to splash, Barkley will find a team. It just might not happen as quickly as it’s happened in the past.
Last year we saw that Ezekiel Elliott wasn’t able to sign a deal until right before the season started. We can probably expect that Barkley will similarly be very low on the free agency pecking order unless his agent really puts in the extra mileage.
So let’s take a look at the three best free agency destinations for Barkley, ranked from third to first:
3. New England Patriots
With over $100 million in cap space right now, the Patriots can pretty much get any player they want in free agency. Given that the team is likely going to have a new starter in 2024, possibly a rookie, having a player who can not only pound the rock but serve as a security net on short passing attempts would be a great use of that money.
The only reason we don’t have the Patriots higher is that we have no idea what the Patriots’ priorities are under the new, post-Belichick regime.
2. Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams (and we all know it’s going to be Caleb Williams) is going to need all of the surrounding help he can get when he takes the reins in Week 1 next year. The best way for the Bears to help him through any potential rookie struggles would be to have a player who can not only catch out of the backfield, but be a great running threat that forces opponents play closer to the line.
It certainly helps that the Bears have an estimated $75 million in cap space. Only a couple of teams have more. They’ll be spenders, but will they open the wallet for Barkley?
1. Houston Texans
The Texans might just be the top destination for not just Barkley, but every free agent looking for an ideal landing spot on the open market.
Great coach? Check.
Playoff contender? Check.
Young quarterback in need of elite surrounding cast? Check.
Cap space? $70 million worth of checks.
And with no stage income tax, Barkley will be able to keep a much larger percentage of his weekly earnings. There’s a lot to like about the Texans as a potential destination.
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Where do you think Saquon Barkley will go?