New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is about to be the most coveted free agent at the position, and the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL should see a fairly robust market, even in an era where the position has never been valued less.
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General manager Joe Schoen and the Giants all but telegraphed their intentions to move on from Barkley, by deciding not to use the franchise tag on him for what would be a second consecutive season to keep him in East Rutherford for the 2024 campaign. While the Giants enter the offseason potentially eyeing more affordable running back options against the salary cap, Barkley could become the centerpiece of a rebuild.
While contenders with cap space and a need at running back such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, or even the Baltimore Ravens could come knocking for Barkley, there could be a darkhorse lurking to scoop up the star running back.
"The Patriots lackluster offensive weaponry screams for an elite component," Joe Staszak of NittanyCentral.com writes, listing New England as a team to watch. "Head Coach Jerod Mayo is going to need to clean up the lack of talent mess that Bill Belichick left in his stead.
"With New England most likely set to take a quarterback with the 3rd pick in April's draft, Barkley seems like a reasonable asset to acquire considering the Pats have more than $88 million in cap space and could use some reinforcements in the passing game to help out a rookie on the first year of his contract."
Barkley to New England could be a fascinating fit, as owner Robert Kraft and Mayo aim to orchestrate a quick turnaround, and pairing an explosive running back with the versatility as a weapon in the passing game could accelerate any rookie quarterback's development.
Last season, Barkley rattled off 26 explosive runs while averaging 2.91 yards after contact en-route to a 962-yard and six-touchdown campaign in 14 games.
Through his first 74 games, Barkley has rushed for 5,211 yards with 35 career touchdowns.
According to Spotrac, Barkley could fetch a three-year deal worth $29.9 million, as the seventh-highest-paid running back in the league. If the Patriots, or any other team believes Barkley can be a difference-maker and elevate the franchise's fortunes, that deal could wind up being a bargain. Even in a depressed running back market.
