We know him. We love him. He’s a dangerous weapon to have on your team. Saquon Barkley was drafted second overall by the New York Giants in 2018. He lived up to the hype in his rookie season. With 15 total touchdowns, 1307 rushing yards, and 91 receptions, he looked like the dual-threat player the team would have for years to come.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve seen many ups and downs in Barkley’s career thus far. From injuries to the many losses the team has endured, it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for the star back in East Rutherford. New York signed him on the franchise tag last offseason, leaving many to wonder if a long-term deal will ever be reached.
On @PFF, they ask the best landing spot for Saquon Barkley in free agency.
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) January 23, 2024
I still say it’s the Giants.
He wants to be a a career Giant.
He was their best skill player on offense.
Now it’s a matter of meeting in the middle to make it work. pic.twitter.com/dCFBRXqa08
Here are the rankings for Saquon Barkley and his free-agent destinations.
4. Chicago Bears
Let’s be honest. Saquon Barkley would automatically come in and be the Bears’ clear number one back if he signed with them. But, what’s so enticing about Chicago?
The quarterback situation is unclear at the moment. Even if it’s still Justin Fields or Caleb Williams, what difference does it make? Head coach Matt Eberflus doesn’t seem like one capable of leading this team to the promised land, nor the playoffs at least. Outside of D.J. Moore, what other weapons are on the offensive side of the ball?
Now, here’s the things. Chicago’s offensive line has potential. A young group led by Braxton Jones, many are optimistic it will be one of their strengths heading to next season. Barkley has run behind an incompetent offensive line for years now. It’s time to give him some help, and Chicago does provide that.
Plus, he will be a big name and potentially could put himself as the face of the franchise. The NFL version of Michael Jordan in Chicago is a bit of a reach. But, he will be the player that they will promote like crazy.
3. Houston Texans
A young offensive team led by C.J. Stroud, adding Barkley provides an immediate boost to their offense. It automatically makes them one of the more intriguing teams in the AFC if you include the names of other offensive players like Tank Dell, Nico Collins, and Dalton Schultz.
In a weak AFC South, Houston has set themselves up for success for years to come. Their signal-caller looked like a proven veteran in just his first year. Give him a weapon in the backfield like Barkley, and you have a dynamic duo.
The Texans look like a team that can run the South. Add in their solid defense led by head coach DeMeco Ryans, and they could potentially be a top candidate to win the AFC if they add Barkley.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have dominated the Giants for years, especially since Barkley joined the Giants in 2018. You would think they wouldn’t need him with their offseason signing of D’Andre Swift along with the guys already on the roster (Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott).
Wrong. Swift did run for 1,049 yards on the season, which was fifth-best in the league. But, he’s nowhere near the type of caliber back Barkley is. Saquon is shiftier and his ability to make big plays are better than Swift’s.
The two of them could co-exist. A one-two punch in the backfield would make the Eagles’ offense even more dangerous and keep defenses guessing. Plus, you would preserve the health of both running backs heading into the postseason.
Of course, the Eagles’ offensive line is one of, if not the, best in the NFL. Put Barkley behind those five talented linemen, and he may have a career year in 2024. The only worry is who will be the offensive coordinator (no one at the time of publishing). But, whoever it may be, they know that having Barkley will be a luxury.
1. New York Giants
Why not stay, right? You’ve been the face of the team since your arrival. It wasn’t too long ago when you ran for 1,312 yards and ten touchdowns for the G-Men (to be exact, last season). You’re the clear top offensive weapon on the team, while also the most marketable in a big city like New York.
Look, the Giants have many issues to address. Whether it’s the quarterback position, offensive line, or even the wide receivers, this offseason will be pivotal for them to make the right moves and improve this offensive group. But, one of the top priorities should be bringing Barkley back. He should’ve been paid before Daniel Jones was this past offseason.
Kayvon Thibodeaux on the 7PM In Brooklyn Podcast
— Phil 🌟 (@Phxlly) January 25, 2024
“Saquon should’ve gotten paid first “ 😳 pic.twitter.com/MuDqLc7M4b
Add in the fact that you drafted him at second overall five years ago, and there’s no way you let him walk for absolutely nothing. Why let him go and have to stress about another position to address in the offseason? He’s dangerous to have on your team, and this offense needs someone like him if they want to get to the next level. As long as they also address getting better wideouts and offensive linemen in free agency and the draft, then Saquon Barkley staying with Big Blue is the best option for him.
He loves the team, and the team and fans love him. He can continue to market himself here. He’s the face of the franchise. Just find the right dollar amount to pay him, and he will be a Giant for years to come. Just how we all like it to be.
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Featured Image: Sarah Stier/Getty Images
