NFL Free Agency starts next week, and all eyes will be on the future of former Giants Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley. After an eventful offseason a year ago, it appears that the Giants and Saquon might be going their separate ways. Barkley finished 2023 with 1,242 total yards and 10 total touchdowns. The 6th year running back has shown he still has plenty left in the tank and has stayed relatively healthy recently. The upcoming running back draft class has not garnered a lot of buzz, making Barkley arguably the hottest commodity in the running back market. DraftKings Sportsbook recently put out betting odds on who the Pro Bowl running back will suit up for next year, giving us an outlook on his future.
Houston Texans The Favorites at -200
Last season the Houston Texans found themselves in the divisional round of the AFC playoff fueled by the electrifying play of rookie quarterback CJ Stroud. Looking to capitalize on Stroud’s cheap rookie contract the Texans can be big spenders this offseason. While the Texans playmakers had a good season, there is no doubt they can add more talent to their skill groups. The Texans showed signs of being able to create a stable running attack down the stretch last season, opening the field for Stroud to operate. Saquon Barkley would certainly be a great piece to add for the Texans and could be a needle mover for them in the AFC.
Los Angeles Chargers Looming at +285
New Head Coach Jim Harbaugh will look to bring his smash mouth running system back into the NFL this season. With former starting running back Austin Ekeler scheduled to hit free agency the Chargers will be in the market for a new back. Adding Saquon Barkley would be a great fit for the Harbaugh system and help take the pressure off young ascending quarterback Justin Herbert. However, the Chargers have a tricky financial situation and bringing in the Pro Bowl running back would require some salary cap gymnastics.
New York Giants Still Listed at +500
The New York Giants are still listed as a possibility to bring back Saquon, however it is unclear where both sides are at. After turmoil in contract negotiations last off season, most find it hard to see the Giants and their Pro Bowl running back to reach a contract agreement. The Giants have bigger problems to figure out regarding the future of quarterback Daniel Jones, and whether or not drafting a young quarterback in this upcoming draft is the best move for the organization. Therefore, we could see a lack of commitment to the running back market for the Giants.
Chicago Bears Sleeper Team at +900
Listed as long-shots, the Chicago Bears could be a sleeper team to bring in Saquon Barkley. Many expect the Bears to spend the 1st overall pick in this upcoming draft on a franchise quarterback, and move on from current quarterback Justin Fields. Going along with the trend in recent years, we have seen teams capitalize on the cheap contract that comes along with rookie quarterbacks by spending big on other positions. Bringing in a Pro Bowl running back like Barkley to offer a reliable presence in the backfield would take some of the pressure off a first-year quarterback and offer some stability for the rest of the offense.
All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.
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