Saquon Barkley would reportedly be traded before getting to hit 2024 free agency: 4 likely destinations including the Patriots

A long-time New York Giants reporter believes that if the team can’t come to terms on a new contract with Saquon Barkley early in March, the organization would definitely look to move him for assets in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Giants have a major decision to make in the coming weeks. With star running back Saquon Barkley again able to hit free agency next month, the organization must choose whether to get him locked into a new long-term deal, franchise tag him for a second straight year, or possibly let him test his value on the open market.

However, Patricia Traina — a Giants beat writer for over 30 years — believes there is a more likely option if they can’t agree to a new contract. And that is to franchise and trade the two-time Pro Bowler instead of losing him in free agency or dealing with another summer training camp holdout.

“If they can’t [make progress and get close on a new contract], and Saquon is dug in and [wants] X number of dollars and the Giants say nope we’re not paying you, I can see the potential for a tag and trade,” Traina told Sportsnaut. “But I don’t see them just letting him walk away. … Don’t tell me there wouldn’t be a market for Saquon Barkley. I think some team out there would potentially want him. If you’re the Giants you don’t just let him walk away and not get something in return.

“… I don’t see the Giants carrying Saquon on the franchise tag like they did last year. They don’t have the money to do it, they don’t have comp picks coming to them, [General Manager] Joe Schoen likes to have pieces to move around, and out of respect to Saquon, if you can’t get something done, if you know by the end of the tag deadline nothing’s getting done, you say to his agent we give you permission to go and work out a trade with another team.”

If the organization and Barkley can’t hash out a long-term contract before 4 PM ET on March 5, here are four teams they could try to move him to for extra draft capital in the 2024 NFL Draft.

4 teams the New York Giants could trade Saquon Barkley to this offseason

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have a boatload of salary cap space this offseason and they need some impact players on offense. Since the organization could use their top pick in April on a quarterback, a star running back would be a huge help for a rookie signal-caller. Furthermore, it would allow the New York native to stay close to home and on a team that should be competitive in 2024.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens need more weapons on offense for superstar QB Lamar Jackson. He cannot do it by himself, and we saw that when he wasn’t enough in the 2024 AFC Championship game. Since Barkley is a dual-threat stud, he would not only be the run-game boost they could use, but he also be another valuable target in the passing game next season.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are a team on the rise due to the immense talent of young QB CJ Stroud. They have a good No. 1 receiver in Nico Collins, but they could use a game-breaker out of the backfield. Saquon Barkley would be that, and they have the money to keep him happy with a long-term deal.

A package that includes a second-round pick and running back Devin Singletary might appeal to the Giants as a solid return.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense was far better than many expect this past season. However, one could only wonder how good Baker Mayfield and the offense could have been with a reliable running back. If the Bucs lose Mike Evans in free agency, adding Barkley in a reimagined offense under new coordinator Liam Coen might be an interesting and cost-effective way to go next season. Especially with costs for running backs far lower than star receivers.