Getty "Everyone across the league" expects an NFC East rival to make a "big push" to sign New York Giants' free-agent RB Saquon Barkley.
Seeing Saquon Barkley suit up for NFC East rivals the Philadelphia Eagles is a nightmare scenario for the New York Giants. It could come true during 2024 NFL free agency, with “everyone across the league” predicting the Eagles to heavily pursue the two-time Pro-Bowl running back.
Everyone from “teams, coaches, front-office people, agents who don’t represent Saquon Barley are expecting the Philadelphia Eagles to make a big push for him, to possible keep him in the NFC East,” according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
It sounds like the Eagles know Barkley’s value, even if the Giants don’t. Big Blue has declined to hand the 27-year-old a new, long-term contract for the second offseason in a row.
Running back is a devalued role in the modern NFL, but Barkley is still an elite player at his position. He’s also the most dynamic player on an otherwise pedestrian Giants offense.
Barkley lining up alongside Eagles’ dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts and behind a formidable offensive line would only widen the gap between the Giants and their bitterest rivals within the division.
If that happens, Giants general manager Joe Schoen will be left open to a lot of criticism for not even using the franchise tag to keep Barkley around for another season.
Saquon Barkley Has Been a Problem for Eagles
Few things are sweeter for the Giants than a win over the Eagles. It’s how Big Blue closed out an otherwise disappointing 6-11 season on a positive note.
The 27-10 win at MetLife Stadium in Week 18 was thanks in no-small part to Barkley’s efforts in the red zone. He mustered just 46 yards rushing on 18 carries, but No. 26 found the end zone twice in goal-line situations.
Barkley’s first score was highlighted by Nick Falato of SB Nation’s Big Blue View.
Saquon Barkley’s first touchdown in the #Giants 27-10 win over the Eagles in Week 18
This was the seventh touchdown Barkley has scored against the Eagles in nine games, according to StatMuse. While he’s only gone 2-7 against the old enemy, Barkley has gashed the Eagles for 615 yards on 138 carries.
The numbers show why the Eagles would be so keen to acquire Barkley. Their interest may have increased after last season’s RB1, D’Andre Swift, agreed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Chicago Bears on Monday, March 11, per Garafolo and his colleague Ian Rapoport.
Bears, RB D’Andre Swift agree on a three-year, $24 million deal. (via @MikeGarafolo + @rapsheet)
Barkley’s stats are also a reminder about why he’s a capable playmaker the Giants could regret losing.
Giants Likely to Regret Losing Saquon Barkley in Free Agency
Running backs are no longer deemed worth big money. Not when the role endures wear and tear that shortens careers. Not when most of today’s offenses are pass happy.
Even so, the Giants are likely to regret losing Barkley if he finds a new home in free agency. Not using the tag was a calculated risk by Schoen to let Barkley gauge his value and afford the Giants the chance to match any offers.
The problem is it won’t be difficult for suitors to price the Giants out of any race for Barkley’s signature. Not when Schoen has twice made it clear the Giants have a modest ceiling.
It’s a ceiling many teams should be able to reach for a five-year veteran who already owns a franchise record for the Giants, per Pro Football Reference.
That’s a lot of production for the Giants to replace. The production is also a measure of Barkley’s talent. Something the Giants won’t enjoy trying to stop twice a season.