NFL fans might pound the table for Saquon Barkley this time. However, will any team look for the New York Giants’ LB for the next season? As per reports, Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Tony Pollard are all expected to become free agents, making this year’s market a star-studded one with the running backs.

During the 2023 season, the Giants saw notable contributions from the Penn State graduate, Barkley, who played 14 games and added 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns from scrimmage. However, it seems that wasn’t enough for the team. The Giants, despite having a larger salary cap space of around $38 million in total and just under $30 million in effective cap space, face difficulties in keeping Barkley unless there’s a less competitive market for their positions. But is the contract the only issue?

What led the teams to release linebackers as free agents?

In a recent episode of NBC Sports’ Dan Patrick Show, the $40 million net worth host discussed the state of the running back position in the NFL. Calling out a few running backs’ names who are going to be free agents this time, including Saquon Barkley. Patrick highlighted the limited interest of the NFL teams in committing money to veteran running backs with heavy mileage. The free agent class includes notable players like Barkley, Austin Eckler, Derek Henry, Josh Jacobs, and D’Andre Swift. They are either seeking better deals or parting ways with their current teams. Patrick emphasized the shift in the league’s focus, where quarterbacks and other positions gain more prominence than running backs.

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He also reminisced about a time when star running backs were the focal point of teams, but now they are seen as interchangeable, with teams reluctant to invest heavily in the position. The host expressed, “I just don’t know if you’re looking at a running back saying I’m going to give you the ball 25 times like we don’t need you. We have to have you. We don’t necessarily need to. We’re not dependent upon you and it used to be you started with your running back. Your running back, set up everything if you could run the ball, controlled the clock, then your quarterback got play action. Now all of a sudden that’s your formula for success.”

Comparing it with today’s scenario, Patrick added, “Now it’s different. Your running back has to be able to block, catch some passes, and oh by the way, can you run the ball 10 to 15 times a game that’s it. You don’t need to spend a lot of money. It’s almost like the running back is like a place kicker or a punter. Hey, we got to have you. We’re not going to spend a lot of money on you because you know you’re interchangeable.”

Jim Harbaugh Presented With Golden Opportunity as the Giants Refuse to Place Franchise Tag on Saquon Barkley

Well, seeing the latest horrific long list of running backs, reported to be 15, makes Patrick’s statements true. The teams are now less concerned about their running backs, even if it’s Saquon Barkley.

Will Saquon Barkley get his new gig?

The NFL announced a salary cap of $255.4 million for the 2024 season, setting the stage for estimates on franchise tag values. In the context of running backs, the exclusive tag is valued at $11.95 million, while the non-exclusive tag is $9.76 million. Spotrac estimates Saquon Barkley’s market value at a 3-year/$30 million contract. Despite a potential higher worth, this seems to be a realistic expectation given the current running back market.

Reports suggest that making an offer in line with this market value during the legal tampering period starting on March 11 would be a sound strategy for potential suitors. With the higher-than-expected salary cap at $255.4 million, teams have more financial flexibility to meet or exceed market value for Barkley. And the top three landing spots for Barkley are said to be for the Ravens, Texans, and Giants.

Among them, the Texans are emerging as the top favorite. Houston, aiming to build on their recent success, have a need for a running back, making Barkley a desirable addition. The team’s current options may not be sufficient, and Barkley’s dual threat as a rusher and receiver could provide a valuable asset for quarterback C.J. Stroud.