While it may not be their preference, the New York Giants should ponder the idea of trading Saquon Barkley during the 2023 NFL Draft, and there are several impact players they could target by shipping off the Pro Bowl running back.
This offseason has been a productive one for the New York Giants. Entering this pivotal period in the year, the team had a pair of major issues to address in the impending free agency of quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. Both had strong seasons in 2022 and had a great deal of leverage in potential negotiations.
In March, the New York Giants went with a get-two-for-one approach when they finally closed on a long-term deal with Jones and promptly slapped the franchise tag on Barkley just minutes before the franchise deadline. Along with a couple of key offseason acquisitions — like Las Vegas Raiders star Darren Waller — all seemed well in Big Blue land.
Then it all changed last week when it was revealed that Barkley has yet to sign his franchise tender and is not thrilled with his current contract situation. After a massive bounce-back year, the New York native turned down a pair of extension offers so he could test his value on the market, but was denied that opportunity. Yet, he is likely making more on his tag than he might have gotten for this season in free agency.
Nevertheless, it has opened the door to the possibility of a disgruntled star with a long injury history at a position that has seen a huge decrease in value over the last decade. That is why the New York Giants need to consider trading him at a peak time for asset, prospect, and star acquisitions during this year’s NFL Draft.
If the team were to pull the trigger on a deal during day one or two of the event, these are three impact players they could possibly target in the draft or get back in a potential blockbuster deal.
Bijan Robinson
If the New York Giants wanted to take a player that would have the potential to replace Barkley but at more than half the price, Texas star Bijan Robinson would be the answer. He is universally seen as the best running back in this year’s draft and has drawn interest as high up as No. 10 to division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles.
This means possibly trading Saquon Barkley to the Chicago Bears at No. 9 would need to happen, and the Bears have the money and positional need where the Giants RB would make sense for them.
The money the Giants get back from moving Barkley could then be used in a possible trade for Cardinals star receiver DeAndre Hopkins to boost their passing game in 2023.
Derrick Henry
Another route the New York Giants could go would be a swap of star running backs that include a day three selection. Tennessee Titans Pro Bowlers Derrick Henry has been rumored to be on the trade block, and a flip of Barkley for the Titans great would be a virtual wash in owed money for 2023.
However, with Barkley having fewer miles on his body and more long-term upside, the Giants might have to throw in a fifth-round pick to sweeten the pot as they get a proven superstar running back for one season.
Dalvin Cook
Another superstar running back reportedly on the trade block and could be flipped for Barkley is Minnesota Vikings back Dalvin Cook. The Vikings star is probably an upgrade for the G-Men after reaching four Pro Bowls during his career. However, while he makes similar money to Barkley in 2023, he is signed for two more seasons at over $23 million.
Maybe adding a swap of second and third-day NFL Draft picks that can be altered based on production would make a deal work for both sides and keep each offense strong and fresh in 2023.