Top Landing Spots For This Star NFL Running Back
As the 2024 NFL offseason unfolds, the New York Giants will reportedly not place the franchise tag on star back Saquon Barkley. Barkley received the tag last offseason but he now has the freedom to test free agency this time around.
It is important to remember that injuries have cut down on his production recently. Barkley has missed 20 games in the past four seasons. However, he still managed 1,242 total yards with 10 total touchdowns despite a tough 2023 season.
So, in a loaded running back free agency class of names like Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler, and Derrick Henry, where will the former No. 2 pick land? Let's discuss.
Top Landing Spot: Houston Texans
At first glance, this one might sound far-fetched but hear me out. The first selling point is the most obvious one and that is the nearly $66 million of cap space they have. If Saquon is worth the market value he is projected, the Texans can pay that and still have room to wiggle.
The second selling point has to be pairing up with budding star C.J. Stroud. Stroud is coming off an incredible Rookie of the Year campaign and his first playoff win. He also has a cost-friendly contract that allows a move for Saquon to be realistic.
The third and final selling point is the coaching staff. Head coach DeMeco Ryans is heading into year two with tons of confidence and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has proven to be a valuable coach. If Saquon wants a change of scenery with a young team and plenty of upside (and money), Houston should be the favorite to land him.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincy could fit into the dark horse realm but they pose enough of a threat that I have them outside the dark horse. While the Bengals still have Joe Mixon, they could clear nearly $6.1 million by trading or releasing him. That takes their projected cap space from around $61.4 million to the $67 million mark and that is plenty to land Barkley.
When you compare Barkley to Mixon, Barkley is the more explosive back. Barkley is better for the home run play ranking eighth in breakaway runs last season. Barkley also presents the passing game threat much like Mixon. Barkley caught north of 70% of his passes over the last two years.
With Tee Higgins on the franchise tag, landing Barkley gives Cincy one year with an offense that features a healthy Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins, and Barkley. That is an offensive coordinator's dream in a tough AFC. Barkley would put the Bengals back into the contender category.
Baltimore Ravens
If Baltimore was to improve their already stout run game, then Barkley is the answer. The Ravens were first in rushing yards per game, first in rushing attempts per game, and they averaged 4.9 yards per carry as a team. Adding Barkley alongside reigning MVP Lamar Jackson would be a huge move for Baltimore.
While Gus Edwards had a solid season (810 rushing yards on 198 attempts with 13 touchdowns), he is heading to free agency. If the Ravens do not bring him back, Saquon is a splash move that would lighten the load for Lamar. Lamar carried the ball 148 times last season but that total needs to lighten to keep Lamar healthy. Saquon has shown he is better when he touches the ball more and Baltimore has the perfect system for that.
The only downside here is that Baltimore currently has only about $5.7 million to work with. However, cuts and contract restructures can change that number quickly. Pairing Barkley with Lamar would be a home run play for the Ravens to stay contenders in the AFC.
Dark Horse Destination: Dallas Cowboys
Here is my dark horse spot simply because money might prevent this move from happening. If the Cowboys want to hurt the Giants, they should add Saquon. With the new league cap space announced at $255 million, they might have some wiggle room now.
Dallas can create around $43.5 million in cap space if they do not touch Dak's contract. This leads to them extending players like CeeDee Lamb more than likely. However, if Dallas wants to make a splash, they could part of that money to sign Saquon. Extend CeeDee, Micah, and the important guys but open up the money to make Barkley a realistic signing.
This would be a costly maneuver which is something Dallas wants to avoid after how Zeke's big contract panned out. However, with Dallas claiming to be "all in" for 2024, bringing in a star back like Barkley to replace Tony Pollard (free agent), is a huge step.
Final Thoughts
Despite all of those potential landing spots, Barkley could very well end up back in New York. The Giants losing their star back would put a damper on the progress they want to make as a team. However, money talks loudly especially when it's for teams that can win more games with Barkley on their team and are not rebuilding from the ground up.
Read More NFL News From Stadium Rant Here: NFL News
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS:
Order your favorite whiskey or spirit for the big game right to your doorstep and use code STADIUMRANT10 for a 10% discount at Caskers
Use code STADIUMRANT20 for a 20% discount at Bulletproof Coffee, SwingJuice, and Performix.
If you love to shotgun beers, use code STADIUMRANT10 at Wild Man Drinking Company.
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our YouTube channel and subscribe!