Texans react to Saquon Barkley’s rumor of a possible trade.
The Houston Texans possess significant salary cap space for the upcoming offseason and are looking to bolster their running game, a notable area of weakness in the previous season. With the goal of easing the pressure on quarterback C.J. Stroud, the team is considering various avenues for improvement, including exploring the free agent market for running backs.
Pro Football Focus recently suggested that the Texans could be an appealing destination for free agent running back Saquon Barkley, drawing parallels between his impending free agency and that of Lesean McCoy in 2015. Barkley’s potential acquisition is seen as a solution to the team’s struggles with their current running backs, Devin Singletary and Dameon Pierce.
Barkley, who is turning 27 this week, was drafted second overall from Penn State in 2018 by the New York Giants. Throughout his six seasons with the Giants, he has amassed impressive statistics, including 5,211 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2018 and 2022.
Despite Barkley’s previous contract negotiations with the Giants, which led to a one-year deal following a franchise tag, his future with the team remains uncertain. Should he become available in free agency, he is anticipated to be highly sought after due to his versatility as a runner, pass catcher, and pass blocker.
If Barkley does not hit the market, the Texans still have several options to explore, including retaining Singletary or pursuing other free agent running backs like Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, De’Andre Swift, or Derrick Henry. Whoever they choose, the Texans aim to fortify their running game and provide support for Stroud under the guidance of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
Leave a Reply