At running back, the New York Giants are in a strong position. Both parties should be able to determine whether Saquon Barkley’s estimated value fits within their budget by letting him test the free agent market.
Additionally, there are plenty of running back possibilities available to replace Barkley in March should he receive an offer higher than they would like to pay. At the position in 2024, this free agent class is both noteworthy and deep; on February 21, one possible Barkley replacement was identified.
Reporters Greg Auman, Henry McKenna, and Eric Williams collaborated to identify potential destinations for each of their top-50 undrafted free agents during a Fox Sports free agency ranking. Barkley was ranked 20th on the list, while Josh Jacobs, the No. 15 free agent, was really linked to the Giants.
Even for someone like Jacobs, who has demonstrated he can run and catch the ball well in his first five NFL seasons, it’s a harsh world for a running back these days, the Fox Sports team observed. It is conceivable that he may surpass Christian McCaffrey in stats if Jacobs were to join the correct squad. However, things rarely operate that way.
They conceded, “It’s most likely he tests free agency and comes back to the [Las Vegas] Raiders.” “The Giants might just look at Jacobs as a worthy replacement if Saquon Barkley leaves New York,” the statement continued.
Fox Sports continued, “He’d certainly be more reliable than Barkley on the injury front.” Jacobs is also a capable touchdown producer on the ground. He has 12 running touchdowns in two seasons.
After gaining more than 2,000 scrimmage yards in 2022, Jacobs was named a first-team All-Pro. Since joining the league, he has already had three seasons of 1,000 yards rushing, and he turned 26 on February 11.
Would Giants Ditch Saquon Barkley for High-Paid RB Like Raiders’ Josh Jacobs?
If the Giants lose Barkley, few replacements would be as tantalizing as Jacobs. Having said that, signing him might defeat the purpose of letting Barkley walk.
In fact, Jacobs might get more money than the Giants star on the free market given his age and durability. Therefore, why would general manager Joe Schoen of the NYG and head coach Brian Daboll choose to invest cap space on the Raiders ball carrier rather than Barkley, unless they had a stronger like for the latter?
If Big Blue would rather start over at the position entirely, it would definitely make more sense to switch to a possible value signing or an NFL draft prospect.
Ex-NFL LB Bart Scott Criticizes Giants for Treating Saquon Barkley ‘Like a Sidepiece’
Barkley is being treated by the Giants in a businesslike manner; it’s not personal. It’s a smart move to let him see his price tag for himself, considering how saturated the RB market is anticipated to be in 2024.
Despite that reasoning, retired NFL linebacker Bart Scott (via Awful Announcing on X) offered an insightful analysis of Barkley on ESPN’s Get Up.
“No [franchise] tag,” Scott said in response to a question about Barkley being tagged once more. “Listen man, we just not that into you,” Joe Schoen should tell Saquon. Saquon is being used like a prop by you out here. They provide him with just enough to satisfy him. They are merely waiting for an improved, more affordable choice.
