Giants can kill two birds with one stone following latest NFL news
The New York Giants and Saquon Barkley aren't on the best of terms right now. While both sides reportedly remain hopeful they can come together on a contract, they still stand at an impasse. But what if I told you they could solve their issue of starting running back, and do it at a cheaper […]
The New York Giants and Saquon Barkley aren't on the best of terms right now.
While both sides reportedly remain hopeful they can come together on a contract, they still stand at an impasse.
But what if I told you they could solve their issue of starting running back, and do it at a cheaper price?
Following the news that Dalvin Cook and the Minnesota Vikings will be going their separate ways, the four-time Pro Bowler will soon be a free agent unless the Vikings find a trade partner by Friday.
Still only 27 years old, Cook is coming off his fourth consecutive 1000-yard rushing season, and four straight Pro Bowls, playing in every game in 2022. Despite his recent performances, Cook has been the talk of trade rumors dating back to the end of the season.
A new regime in place with a general manager and head coach going into their second year as the head of the operation, Cook wasn't drafted or extended by the current brass.
So between his positional value and the volatility of running backs, the Vikings have decided to move on.
In response to the news, Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated decided to list his top 10 destinations for Dalvin Cook once he officially hits the open market on Friday. He ranked the Giants as the seventh-best option, saying:
The Giants pulled their long-term offer to Saquon Barkley and remain at a contractual impasse as they head into the franchise tag deadline, said Orr. While the Giants also have veteran Matt Breida on the roster along with a fifth-round pick, Eric Gray, who is more of a stylistic complement to Barkley than a clone, Cook would give them the option to log some tougher miles. This is especially true given what a slog the Giants’ schedule is in 2023.
Despite this being more feasible than you think, given Barkley and Cook are of similar age and Cook will likely come at a lesser cost, it's the type of move that splits the relationship between the locker room and the front office.
Barkley has been one of the best backs in the league when healthy and was drafted by the team, even if New York's current regime owes no loyalty to him. Barkley is loved in the locker room and no matter how shrewd a business the NFL can be, some lines cannot be crossed.
New York has to do their due diligence, but it shouldn't come at the cost of one of their best players.
Featured image via: © Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
