For years, the New York Giants had one of the best running backs in the game.
Saquon Barkley has been a difference-maker when healthy, but that has been the biggest issue here.
Running backs usually fall from grace quicker than other players, and with Barkley reportedly looking to get paid, it might not be in his team’s best interests to meet his demands.
With that in mind, The Athletic’s Dan Duggan believes the Giants should just let him walk away if he gets a big offer somewhere else as opposed to trying to match that offer (via WBG84).
“If Barkley gets a strong offer on the market, the Giants should shake his hand and thank him for six years of exemplary service. Then they should pivot to a cheap veteran, like Zack Moss in a loaded free-agent market and draft a back on Day 3,” Duggan said.
“If Barkley gets a strong offer on the market, the Giants should shake his hand and thank him for six years of exemplary service. Then they should pivot to a cheap veteran, like Zack Moss in a loaded free-agent market and draft a back on Day 3.” – @DDuggan21 #NYGiants
— WBG84 (@WBG84) February 19, 2024
Duggan stated that the Giants could look to pivot to a cheap veteran like Zack Moss and replace Barkley with a rookie, as this class is stacked with talent at the running back position.
Barkley had repeatedly stated that he wanted to be a Giant for life, but the way the team handled his free agency last season hurt him and showed him the cruel part of the business.
Of course, it remains to be seen if another team will be interested in signing him to a long-term and lucrative deal, as he’s not getting any younger and has had multiple injuries throughout the course of his career.
Some believe his best option would be to play under the franchise tag in New York, assuming they’re even willing to give him that opportunity.
Whatever the case, it seems more and more likely that the former Penn State star will be wearing different threads next season.
The post Analyst Names Potential Replacement For Saquon Barkley appeared first on The Cold Wire.