What the KC Chiefs would have to give up to land Saquon Barkley in a trade from Giants
The Kansas City Chiefs' biggest goal this offseason should be to improve their pass rush. Kansas City's lackluster pass rush against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship game (when they only sacked Joe Burrow once) is one of the biggest reasons the Chiefs didn't reach the Super Bowl this season. But the pass rush […]
The Kansas City Chiefs' biggest goal this offseason should be to improve their pass rush.
Kansas City's lackluster pass rush against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship game (when they only sacked Joe Burrow once) is one of the biggest reasons the Chiefs didn't reach the Super Bowl this season.
But the pass rush isn't the only position that needs to be addressed this offseason.
Kansas City has a hole at running back. Entering the offseason, the Chiefs have Derrick Gore and Clyde Edwards-Helaire at the top of the depth chart. Gore is unproven while Edwards-Helaire is often on the injury report.
Adding another running back — perhaps a starting-caliber running back — would be a wise move for the Chiefs this offseason.
Earlier this week, an NFL analyst suggested that Kansas City should trade for New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.
Barkley has had plenty of injury issues over the last few years (he's missed 19 games in three years). But when he's on the field, he has MVP-level talent.
If the Chiefs were to make a trade for Barkley, it could bring a new element to Kansas City's offense that could make them unstoppable in the AFC West.
But how much would it cost?
Surprisingly, the cost doesn't appear to be that high.
According to Dan Duggan, who covers the Giants for The Athletic, the consensus from the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis this week is that the trade value for Barkley is a fourth-round pick.
Duggan admitted that he's skeptical that New York will trade Barkley. But with his contract expiring after the 2022 season, it makes sense that the Giants would try to get something out of Barkley before he possibly departs in free agency.
A fourth-round pick is reasonable. And I think it's something the Chiefs could afford to do (Barkley's cap hit is $7.2 million in 2022 according to Spotrac).
Kansas City has two third-round picks in 2022, so parting with a fourth-round pick wouldn't be that big of a deal.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach might want to get on the phone with the Giants and see if there's a deal to be had.
Featured image via Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
