ESPN names surprising trade candidate on New York Giants' roster
Could the New York Giants be moving on from star running back Saquon Barkley this offseason? ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote on Tuesday that he believes Barkley could be on the trade block this offseason. Here's what Fowler said about the possibility: It might be time. It has been four years. Barkley has high-quality traits, but […]
Could the New York Giants be moving on from star running back Saquon Barkley this offseason?
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote on Tuesday that he believes Barkley could be on the trade block this offseason.
Here's what Fowler said about the possibility:
It might be time. It has been four years. Barkley has high-quality traits, but the Giants need to exhaust all options for their rebuild. Enough teams are still enamored by his skill set that they could be interested in a potential deal. Many still view Barkley as a top-shelf tailback when healthy. He's due $7.2 million on a fifth-year option, and doing a long-term deal in New York for the 2023 free agent just doesn't make sense for either side. Barkley in San Francisco's offense would be fun, and Tampa Bay could have an opening if free agent Leonard Fournette signs elsewhere.
This is an interesting take from Fowler. Barkley hasn't played a full season since his rookie year in 2018. But the former Penn State star is electric when he's healthy and on the field — easily one of the best players in the NFL.
The problem for Barkley has been staying healthy — he's missed 18 games over the last two seasons.
Fowler is correct that a long-term deal doesn't make sense for the Giants.
With it seeming unlikely that New York will be a Super Bowl contender in 2022, why not trade Barkley and try to add some draft capital? It's kind of like a baseball trade — deal Barkley as a rental to a contender in need of a running back.
For the long-term health of the franchise, trading Barkley certainly makes some sense.
Featured image via Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
