After some huge news on Tuesday, the Houston Texans can officially begin a pursuit of a star free agent they have recently been linked to starting next week.
The Texans enter NFL free agency with just over $70 million to burn to improve the roster. However, unlike previous years, instead of making moves just to make them competitive next season, the organization is looking to make additions that could turn them into legitimate title contenders in 2024.
Also Read: Top NFL free agents of 2024 – Top 400 players, including Kirk Cousins, Chris Jones
Rookie CJ Stroud and first-time head coach DeMeco Ryans took the league by storm in 2023 and now the expectations for next season are very different. While the roster has various needs they will address in the NFL Draft and free agency, over the last week one particular star player has been connected to the team: New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.
- Saquon Barkley stats (2023-24): 1,242 total yards, 10 total TD, 41 receptions, 3.9 YPR
Saquon Barkley officially allowed to test NFL free agency 2024
The two-time Pro Bowler recently followed several star Texans players on social media two weeks ago, which obviously got the fan base talking. However, a follow-up report from a team insider revealed that it was more than just admiration for fellow NFL players and he has been doing his homework on the team and getting the opinions of Houston players about the franchise.
Barkley makes a lot of sense for the organization, and the playoff-contending Texans seem like a great for the 27-year-old. Well, if the team plans to pursue Barkley in free agency a huge blockade was removed from that chase today.
On Tuesday it was reported that the Giants will not use their franchise tag again on Barkley and will allow the New York native to test free agency starting next week. NFL free agency opens on March 11, and with Barkley seeming to prefer the Texans over other teams a deal could quickly come together next week if they are willing to give him the type of money he is hoping for.
Related: Houston Texans expected to be major players for star player in NFL free agency