What was once perceived to be the inevitable has become the reality. [autotag]Saquon Barkley[/autotag] is now officially a free agent in the NFL after the New York Giants opted not to use a franchise tag for the 2024 season on the former Penn State running back.
Adam Schefter of ESPN was among the first to share the news regarding the latest contract situation for Barkley, who was placed on a franchise tag by the Giants last offseason. Barkley was not seemingly happy with having the franchise tag placed on him last year, but now he will get a chance to see if he can cash in on a free agent contract with an NFL teams in need of a boost at the running back position.
Barkley will be considered one of the top free agent players on the market this offseason, especially among the available running backs this year. And he should have some good options to consider as he looks for a new NFL team. There is even a chance he may not leave the NFC East as the Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly a team with early interest in adding Barkley to the roster.
Joining the Eagles among early potential suitors in NFL free agency could be the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Houston Texans.
Sources view the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Houston Texans & Philadelphia Eagles as some primary potential suitors who have the resources, need & interest to possibly sign Saquon Barkley. Stay tuned! https://t.co/OHcXVUDytZ
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) March 5, 2024
Barkley has been in the NFL for six seasons and has had some noted injury issues from time to time. And given the average lifespan of a running back in the NFL, Barkley is in a tough spot for a veteran running back entering free agency knowing how NFL teams view the position and age of a running back. This is especially true for a running back who has already had one torn ACL. But if you give Barkley a solid offensive line to block for him and have an offense with more ingredients to cook, Barkley can be just the right spice to add to the pot.
NFL free agency officially begins on March 11 at noon ET with the legal tampering period. Free agent contracts can officially be signed starting March 13. Expect Barkley to be gobbled up by a new team fairly early in the process despite the widespread views on running backs.
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