The Giants prevented RB Saquon Barkley from hitting the open market a year ago when they used their franchise tag on the former No. 2 pick, this spring could mark the end of Barkley's time in New York.
Barkley is just one of many notable running backs on the free agent market, setting up a fascinating few weeks after the position was largely shut out last offseason. No free agent running back received more than Miles Sanders' $6.35 million annual salary, while Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard didn't come close to long-term deals in the summer after getting franchise-tagged months earlier.
Barkley, Jacobs, Pollard, Derrick Henry, D'Andre Swift, and Austin Ekeler headline the free agent running back class, with Barkley reportedly drawing early interest from multiple teams.
Follow along with the latest news and rumors surrounding Barkley below.
MORE: Best fits for top free agent running backs
Saquon Barkley free agency rumors tracker
Eagles, Barkley reportedly have mutual interest
Date: March 7
The Eagles and Barkley have mutual interest, according to the New York Post's Ryan Dunleavy, adding that the Cowboys could be interested, as well.
WIP's Howard Eskin reported earlier Thursday that the Eagles had interest in Barkley, who grew up about 50 miles north of Philadelphia.
"I didn't believe, but I checked it and they do have interest in Saquon Barkley...I think they're trying to work on something that would not be fully guaranteed. He's not going to get—a ton."
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) March 7, 2024
"I think they're looking for a RB that can also catch the football."
— @howardeskin https://t.co/RfIApIe1FY pic.twitter.com/pcwaMU4tMX
The Eagles and Cowboys both have vacancies in their backfields, as Swift and Pollard are headed for free agency. Philadelphia could look to reunite with Swift, but running back negotiations can be entirely unpredictable with few teams willing to shell out significant money for the position.
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Barkley targeting Texans as free agent landing spot?
Date: Feb. 29
Barkley is "targeting" the Texans as a potential destination and has been in contact with C.J. Stroud, according to KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson.
The Texans surged to 10 wins and an AFC South title in 2023, but RB Dameon Pierce took a significant step back after a promising rookie season. Houston got steady production out of Devin Singletary, but Singletary is a free agent and could see this offseason as his best chance to cash in.
As the Texans look to position themselves as one of the NFL's most attractive destinations with a respected young head coach and one of the game's most promising quarterbacks, the opportunity to land a prominent name to their offense could be intriguing.
Houston has $70 million in salary cap space available even after bringing back two free-agents-to-be, so GM Nick Caserio could very well be in position to invest in a position that isn't often valued as much as others.
