New York Giants superstar running back Saquon Barkley will be among the most desirable unrestricted free agents if he reaches the open market in March. Local reporter Jordan Raanan doesn't expect the Giants to utilize the franchise tag on Barkley for a second consecutive offseason. It would be an unsurprising outcome after tagging Barkley led to a long-lasting standoff last summer.
Barkley is a game-changing runner and pass-catcher. In 2023, the dual-threat playmaker accounted for 1,242 yards of offense despite being limited to 14 regular-season appearances. It qualified as a down year for Barkley, who was hamstrung by injury and a lackluster supporting cast.
We've identified three potential fits for Barkley in free agency.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
The Commanders enter the offseason with a league-leading amount of cap space, according to Spotrac. New head coach Dan Quinn is a hard-nosed leader who enjoys establishing an effective ground attack. First-year general manager Adam Peters believes in the value of dual-threat running backs after being a part of a San Francisco 49ers regime that paid a premium to acquire Christian McCaffrey.
The Commanders averaged a 27th-ranked 93.6 rushing yards per game this season. The new regime will aim to drastically improve that mark. Antonio Gibson is an unrestricted free agent and isn't expected to return. Brian Robinson Jr. is a quality player, but he shouldn't prevent the Commanders from trying to drastically upgrade the position. Washington is also expected to draft a rookie quarterback with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Signing Barkley would help an inexperienced quarterback make a smoother transition.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Raiders are ushering in a new regime with general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce. Pierce is a throwback leader who played a physical linebacker position at a high level. Pierce believes in playing a physical brand of football.
Josh Jacobs is another premier running back who's set to reach free agency. Both parties should be interested in pursuing fresh starts. Telesco has serious questions at quarterback after the last decision-maker whiffed on Jimmy Garoppolo. The Raiders aren't in a terrific position to land a long-term franchise quarterback this offseason. A bridge-type option or riding out 2024 with Aidan O'Connell may qualify as more realistic. Whoever the starting signal-caller is will require the type of dual-threat help Barkley is capable of providing.
CHICAGO BEARS
With approximately $50 million in available cap space, the Bears are in a terrific position to go on a shopping spree. General manager Ryan Poles is considering drafting Caleb Williams and trading away Justin Fields. If Williams is the next franchise quarterback in Chicago, I'd love to see Chicago pair him with a ball-carrier of Barkley's quality.
Chicago took a by-committee approach at running back in 2023. Arguably the most productive member of the backfield was D'Onta Foreman, who played on an expiring contract. Khalil Herbert is entering a contract year and doesn't appear to be a three-down bellcow. Roschon Johnson is a promising player, but I believe there’s room for both him and Barkley to operate in the Bears’ offense.
