Next week is NFL Free Agency, and everyone’s attention will be focused on former Giants Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley’s future. It seems like Saquon and the Giants may be parting ways after an exciting offseason a year ago. Barkley totaled 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns by the end of 2023. The six-year running back has demonstrated that he still has a lot left in him and that his recent health has been decent. Since there hasn’t been much talk about the upcoming running back draft class, Barkley is possibly the most sought-after player available. We now get a glimpse into the future of the Pro Bowl running back according to betting odds released by DraftKings Sportsbook on who will wear the uniform in 2019.
At -200 DeMeco Ryans, the Houston Texans are the favorite.
Thanks to rookie quarterback CJ Stroud’s explosive play, the Houston Texans made it to the AFC playoff divisional round the previous season. In an attempt to take advantage of Stroud’s inexpensive rookie deal, the Texans may make significant offseason purchases. Despite having a solid season, the Texans’ playmakers undoubtedly have room for improvement in their skill sets. Towards the end of the previous campaign, the Texans appeared capable of establishing a reliable running offense, which provided Stroud with more space to work with. The Texans would benefit greatly from adding Saquon Barkley, who might help them advance in the AFC.
Chargers of Los Angeles looming at +285
This season, new head coach Jim Harbaugh plans to reintroduce his explosive running scheme to the NFL. The Chargers will need a new back since Austin Ekeler, their former main running back, is set to become a free agent. Saquon Barkley would be a perfect fit for the Harbaugh scheme and relieve some of the strain on Justin Herbert, the young quarterback who is rapidly improving. But the Chargers are in a precarious financial position, and adding the Pro Bowl running back would necessitate some creative salary cap maneuvering.
The NY Giants are still rated at +500.
Saquon’s return to the New York Giants is still a possibility, but it’s unclear how things stand on both fronts. Most believe it will be difficult for the Giants and their Pro Bowl running back to come to a contract deal after the tumultuous contract negotiations during the previous offseason. Regarding quarterback Daniel Jones’s future and whether selecting a young quarterback in this year’s draft is the right choice for the team, the Giants have more pressing issues to resolve. Consequently, we might observe the Giants’ lack of dedication to the running back position.
Sleeper Team for the Chicago Bears at +900
The Chicago Bears, who are considered long shots, might be a surprise contender to sign Saquon Barkley. Many predict that the Bears will part with incumbent quarterback Justin Fields and select a franchise quarterback with the first overall choice in the 2018 draft. Following a recent pattern, teams have made large acquisitions at other positions in order to take advantage of the cheap deal that rookie quarterbacks come with. It would relieve some of the load on a rookie quarterback and provide some continuity for the offense if a Pro Bowl running back like Barkley were added to the backfield.
