Star running back Saquon Barkley is among the most prominent free agents available this offseason, and speculation about his next team is mounting. There are indications that some of these rumors are gaining traction.
According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com, who gathered insights from various industry insiders including managers, executives, coaches, scouts, and agents, the consensus points towards Barkley securing a contract worth $10 million annually, possibly in the form of a three-year, $30 million deal. Despite concerns about his injury history and his modest 3.9-yards-per-carry average in the previous season, many believe Barkley’s talent warrants a significant contract. One pro personnel director even likened Barkley’s potential impact to that of Christian McCaffrey if he were in a different team setup.
While the New York Giants reportedly do not view Barkley’s value at the $10 million-plus range, there appears to be at least one other team willing to make such a commitment. Raanan suggests that the Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears are among the leading contenders vying for Barkley’s services.
Among these teams, the Chargers may seem like an unexpected fit, especially given their cap constraints and the potential departure of their running back, Austin Ekeler. On the other hand, the Ravens have been linked to a running back addition, considering the importance of the ground game in their offensive strategy.
As for the Bears, their likely trade of quarterback Justin Fields and potential drafting of Caleb Williams with the top overall pick could create financial flexibility. Investing in Barkley, who can alleviate pressure on a young quarterback with his versatile skill set, could make strategic sense for the team.
Although recent reports speculated about Barkley potentially joining the Philadelphia Eagles, a divisional rival of the Giants, it’s unlikely that either the Eagles or the Dallas Cowboys will meet Barkley’s asking price. Both teams may address their running back needs through other avenues.
While Barkley reportedly favored the Houston Texans as his destination, Raanan indicates that Houston’s interest remains speculative at this stage.
