5 Saquon Barkley replacements the NY Giants can target in 2024
By Zak Musso
1. Stay internal and go with Eric Gray
We can not forget that Schoen comes from the Buffalo Bills organization, which famously expenses minimal resources on the running back position. Buffalo usually utilizes a rotation of mid-round picks in the backfield. The Giants 2022 fifth-round pick Eric Gray could follow the same path mid-round picks Zack Moss, Devin Singletary, and James Cook followed to significant playing time in Buffalo.
With Barkley likely to sit out training camp this summer, Gray will receive a lot of reps, and could quickly push Matt Breida for the backup role behind Barkley. The 5-9, 205-pounder is a bruising running back who rushed for 1,366 yards and 11 touchdowns during his senior season at Oklahoma in 2022.
If Gray balls out in 2023, the Giants could sign a veteran to pair with the youngster, and have them be the focus in 2024. We'll have to wait and see how Gray does during his rookie season, but there's all of a sudden plenty of attention on him. If Barkley sits out Week 1 vs. Dallas and Gray starts, we'll really be able to see what this kid is made of if Daboll gives him the start.