While no one knows if Saquon Barkley will be back with the NY Giants or not, we can all agree that he's one of the best running backs in the game. If the G-Men do let him walk, there are going to be countless teams ready to ink him for next season and beyond.
Should Barkley hit free agency, he'll no question be one of the best players available. Well, it looks like ESPN doesn't think he'll be as popular a target as others. In a new piece, ESPN released its rankings for the Top 50 free agents this offseason. Somehow, they have Barkley at No. 27?
Saquon Barkley's future with the Giants is totally up in the air
"Barkley has the traits to produce in any pro system, thanks to his ability to hit home runs. He's a true lead back: a volume player who has amassed 288 receptions and 47 total touchdowns over his six pro seasons, and he tied for ninth this season in runs for 10-plus yards (26). But while he is averaging 98.8 scrimmage yards per game over his career, he has played only two full seasons since being drafted No. 2 in 2018."ESPN's Matt Bowen
Yes, Barkley has a rough injury history and he missed three games in 2023 due to an ankle injury, but come on, there's no way he should be in the bottom half of this list. Some eye-opening names listed ahead of Barkley include Baker Mayfield, Chase Young, Leonard Williams, Kevin Dotson and others.
This past season for the G-Men, Barkley posted 962 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while adding four more scores through the air. When healthy, he's a beast with the ball in his hands and one of the most dynamic players in the league.
That's why Joe Schoen is hoping to get things done with him in March. While at the Senior Bowl, Schoen said he'll get together with Barkley's reps at the NFL Combine to see if they can work out an extension. If that doesn't happen, and Schoen doesn't place the franchise tag on him, then Barkley will be suiting up for a new team once Week 1 rolls around. GMs will no question be lining up to try and talk to him and his agent.