With Saquon Barkley’s future with the New York Giants up in the air, a former Dallas Cowboys fan favorite is hoping the talented running back brings his talents to Big D next season.
For a second straight year, two-time Pro Bowler Saquon Barkley could hit the open market and test his value in free agency. Last year, the star running back and the organization went through an ugly negotiation that saw the team slap the franchise tag on him, Barkley hold out of a portion of training camp, and the two sides come to terms on a deal worth slightly more than the franchise value for backs in 2023.
In the weeks ahead, they may have to do it all again if the two sides can’t come to terms on a new long-term contract. However, with the team not having much salary cap flexibility and clear needs on the roster, there is no guarantee they will bring him back in 2024. Especially after having a down season — although that could be blamed on poor offensive line and quarterback play this past season.
If the 26-year-old does hit NFL free agency in March fan-favorite Dallas Cowboys veteran Cole Beasley would love to see him bring his elite skills to Texas and stick it to the Giants next season.
- Saquon Barkley stats (2023-24): 1,242 total yards, 10 total touchdowns
“[Saquon] I need you to go to Dallas. Getting to run it up on your old team who disrespected you is rejuvenating. lol,” Beasley wrote in a Saturday post on X, formerly Twitter.
Could Saquon Barkley actually leave the New York Giants for the Dallas Cowboys?
Heading into the offseason, the Cowboys will be way over the salary cap. However, there are rumors that the NFL could raise next year’s cap number to as much as $245 million, which is $15 million more than in 2023. The organization would be about $16 million over that new value. But, they have many restructuring options available in some of their most expensive contracts for next season.
With some restructures, trades, or releases, Dallas could certainly get to a place where signing Barkley would be possible. Current starting running back Tony Pollard is set to hit free agency and Barkley is certainly an upgrade.
While Pollard had better overall stats than the New York Giants star in 2023-24, it wasn’t by much despite playing in three more games and for one of the best offenses in the league. While Barkley was on one of the worst.
This week, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones revealed he expects to make some big moves in the offseason and Barkley would fit the bill while also hurting a division rival in a major way. The big question is if the G-Men will even allow the star running back to hit the market. In the end, Barkley wants to get the best offer possible, and if it comes from a title contender then even better.
