The future of Saquon Barkley with the New York Giants is once again uncertain. The Pro Bowl running back is set to hit free agency this offseason, a year after the team utilized the non-exclusive franchise tag on him back in March 2023. Despite engaging in contract negotiations last year, Barkley ultimately played the 2023 season on a renegotiated franchise tag deal.

As the 2024 free agency period approaches, the Giants have no plans to use the franchise tag on Barkley again, according to NFL Insider Josina Anderson.

This development could potentially mark the end of Barkley’s tenure with the Giants, the team that selected him with the 2nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. While the 27-year-old had previously expressed a desire to spend his entire career in New York, he has more recently been open to the possibility of joining a new organization.

I mean it never crossed my mind until last year after I got tagged,” Barkley told Complex.com when asked if he could see himself playing for a different team. “Up until that moment, I really believe that I was gonna finish my career as a New York Giant. You know, that was a goal of mine. And that’s still in play. I have so much respect for the Mara family and the Tisch family and everyone in the Giants organization.”

“They know that but once you get to this point, you go to your contract negotiation and you go through the tag process, you realize how much of a business it is. And I remember vets always telling me this and you know I believed them, but you don’t really know something until you go through it. So could I see myself in another uniform? Yeah, it’s possible.” 

What are some potential landing spots for Saquon?

HOUSTON TEXANS:

As has been all over the socials recently, Saquon and CK Stroud have been texting a lot!

The Houston Texans present themselves as an attractive destination for Barkley, aligning with his ambition to join a team with legitimate playoff aspirations. In their inaugural campaign under the leadership of head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans defied expectations by advancing to the divisional round, fostering a palpable sense of optimism for the future.

Their offense struggled on the ground during the past season, ranking a mediocre 28th in the league in rushing yards per game (92.7). The addition of a talent like Barkley would not only bolster their running game but also provide Stroud with a formidable receiving threat out of the backfield, enhancing the overall potency of Houston’s offensive attack.

CINCINNATI BENGALS:

With approximately $60 million in projected salary cap space this offseason, the fourth-highest figure in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in an advantageous financial position. While the franchise’s primary focus will likely be securing a lucrative extension for star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and potentially retaining the services of the impending free agent Tee Higgins, the acquisition of Saquon Barkley could prove to be an intriguing proposition for this Super Bowl contender.

Cincinnati’s rushing attack ranked a dismal last in yards per game during the 2023 campaign, highlighting a glaring need for an infusion of talent in the backfield, which a player of Barkley’s caliber could provide.

Regarding incumbent starter Joe Mixon, his contract situation should not present an obstacle, as the Bengals could clear approximately $6 million in cap space by parting ways with him, with only one year remaining on his current deal with the team. Thus, Mixon’s presence would not impede Cincinnati’s pursuit of Barkley.

As a Giants fan myself, I hope this gets sorted and Saquon retires in a big blue uniform, but we will see what happens.

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By Vincent Quezada

Photo Courtesy of New York Giants