5 Saquon Barkley replacements the NY Giants can target in 2024
By Zak Musso
The NY Giants and Saquon Barkley failed to reach a contract extension before Monday's deadline. Barkley has yet to sign his franchise tag (a one-year, $10.1 million contract) and is not expected to report to Giants training camp next week.
In a recent interview on 'The Money Matters Podcast,' Barkley discussed invoking the nuclear option and sitting out the 2023 season. Barkley indicated later in the interview that the nuclear option was unlikely, because the financial ramifications would be enormous for him.
If his tweet on Monday is any indication, Barkley is unhappy with how the contract negotiations played out.
It is what it is
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) July 17, 2023
Barkley's future in New York is murky. If he plays out the 2023 season, the Giants star will either receive the franchise tag again next March (one year, $12.1 million contract) or enter free agency. Barkley will likely play elsewhere if a contract extension is not reached next spring. With that said, here are five potential Barkley replacements NY can target in 2024:
5. Damien Harris
The ex-Alabama star will reach free agency next spring and would be a solid fit for the G-Men. Damien Harris was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft and played four seasons in Foxborough. Harris rushed for 2,094 yards and 20 touchdowns as a Patriot.
Harris signed a one-year, $1.77 million deal with the Buffalo Bills this offseason. Despite his production in New England, Harris received an extremely cheap contract, yet another demonstration of the increasingly deteriorating running back market.
Harris could come cheap again next offseason, and could serve as the leader of a running back committee in New York. At 5-11, 213 pounds, Harris is a physical back who gets tough yards. That mindset and playing style would fit perfectly in Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka's offense.