After having the franchise tag placed on him last year, Saquon Barkley will hit NFL free agency this time around. New York does not plan on placing the tag on him again, meaning that the former No. 2 pick will test the open waters.
Injuries are obviously a concern when it comes to the 27-year-old back. He has missed 20 games over the past four seasons.
But when on the field, Barkley has still proven to be dynamic. Over the course of the past two seasons, the Penn State product has tallied nearly 2,900 total yards and 20 touchdowns. He’s a dual-threat back. Some team will pony up for him. Below, we look at five ideal landing spots for Barkley.
Related: 8 NFL free agents who could be franchise tagged this offseason
Tampa Bay Buccaneers do Baker Mayfield a solid with Saquon Barkley
The assumption is that Baker Mayfield will return to Tampa Bay, either via a long-term contract or the franchise tag. If that is indeed the case, getting help in the running back should be in the cards. After all, Tampa Bay finished dead last in the NFL in rushing a season ago.
There is also a decent chance that wide receiver Mike Evans moves on from the Buccaneers in free agency. They’ll need to find more targets in the passing game. Barkley has tallied 98 catches over the past two seasons while hauling in north of 70% of his targets. This would be an ideal signing for Tampa Bay.
Dallas Cowboys steal star running back from division rival
After being humiliated by the Green Bay Packers in last season’s NFC Wild Card Playoffs, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that they are in win-now mode. They are not looking to the future. Dallas will go all in to build a contender this offseason.
What better way to do that than signing Barkley away from the division-rival Giants? Tony Pollard struggled a season ago in his first as RB1, going for just over 1,000 rushing yards in 17 games. He might not be the long-term soution in Dallas.
- Projected Saquon Barkley contract: 3 years, $42 million
Barkley likely isn’t looking at anything more than a three-year contract. We expect him to sign a deal similar to what Jonathan Taylor received from the Indianapolis Colts during the 2023 season. This puts him in Dallas’ price range if the team is able to move other things around (Dak Prescott extension).
Related: 10 bold predictions for NFL offseason
Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers go big-game hunting
“I’ve got nothing but respect for Coach Harbaugh. I’m a big fan of Justin Herbert. I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. But, hey, if the opportunity was able to present itself, I definitely wouldn’t be against it,” Saquon Barkley on potentially signing with the Chargers.
It really does make sense. Dating back to his days with Frank Gore and the San Francisco 49ers, new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has relied on that dual-threat back. Austin Ekeler did not prove to be that a season ago (628 rushing yards in 14 games). Harbaugh would absolutely love to get someone of Barkley’s ilk in free agency.
Carolina Panthers find dynamic threat in Saquon Barkley
Carolina invested the No. 1 pick on quarterback Bryce Young a year ago. Said investment also included yielding the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears. It goes without saying that this long-downtrodden organization can’t afford Young to be a failure.
Former Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer attempted to get Young weapons heading into his rookie season. It failed miserably with free agent signing Miles Sanders tallying all of 432 rushing yards in 16 games. A reboot is certainly needed at running back. Carolina might have to go above market value to land Barkley. But it’s a move the team simply needs to consider.
Related: Saquon Barkley and the top-400 NFL free agents of 2024
Houston Texans find C.J. Stroud yet another weapon
Recent reports link Barkley to the Texans. It makes sense with veteran Devin Singletary also slated to hit free agency. Meanwhile, youngster Dameon Pierce struggled to the tune of 416 rushing yards as a sophomore after a stellar rookie campaign.
Imagine the Texans adding a dual-threat in Barkley to the mix for Stroud. He’d team up with wide receiver Nico Collins to form a solid skill-position duo. Barkley’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield would also be a tremendous fit in offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s offense.