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The New York Giants are not using their franchise tag on Saquon Barkley, allowing the star running back to enter free agency next week.
Barkley will be one of many elite backs pursuing a new deal this offseason. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has two teams in mind for the 27-year-old.
Orlovsky mentioned the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers as two intriguing landing spots.
There’s already some buzz around Barkley going to Houston. KPRC’s Aaron Wilson called the Texans the former No. 3 pick’s “top potential destination,” adding that Barkley has spoken to Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud and DeMeco Ryans led a seismic first-year turnaround, steering the Texans to an AFC South title and a first-round playoff win over the Cleveland Browns. Barkley could join forces with one of the NFL’s brightest young quarterbacks for a team that averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season.
Following news of New York declining to tag Barkley, Houston emerged as a -200 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook to be his next team. The distant runner-up is Orlovsky’s second suggestion.
The Chargers could be willing to let Austin Ekeler sign elsewhere after he averaged a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry in 2023. They have finished each of the last three years outside the top 20 in rushing offense, a trend Jim Harbaugh would certainly like to change.
Pairing Barkley with Justin Herbert could give the Chargers a formidable offense.
After the Texans and Chargers, DraftKings lists the Giants at +500 to bring back Barkley. The Dallas Cowboys (+650), Chicago Bears (+900), and Baltimore Ravens (+1200) are also positioned as longshots.