New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley made a compelling case to stay with the team this Monday on ESPN’s First Take. Amid swirling rumors about his potential future with Big Blue, Barkley expressed his deep connection to the organization and his unwavering commitment to achieving success with the team.
Saquon Barkley declares he still wants to “remain a Giant for life”
When asked why he still wants to stay with the Giants following last season’s ugly contract negotiations and a string of losing seasons, Barkley emphasized that the Giants have a special place in his heart. From the moment he was drafted, one of his primary goals has been to bring a Super Bowl Championship back to New York, and he is determined to see that goal through to fruition.
He also expressed his desire to remain a “Giant for life,” a sentiment he has vocalized throughout his career:
However, he also acknowledged the business side of football and knows that last season could’ve possibly been his final season in New York. Barkley does believe he has a lot left in the tank, so he is ready to perform at a high level wherever he goes.
“If I’m not a New York Giant next year, and I’m somewhere else next year, they’re gonna get a leader,” Barkley said. “They’re gonna get a hard worker. They’re gonna get a competitor and someone who is gonna go out there and compete at a high level to win football games.”
Where could Barkley end up next season?
With Barkley set to hit free agency, the G-Men will have the opportunity to match any offers he receives, but whether they will be willing to do that is unknown.
One potential landing spot for Barkley could be the Los Angeles Chargers, where newly acquired head coach Jim Harbaugh has expressed interest in the running back.
However, the Chargers are currently estimated to be $45.81 million over the cap and $55.39 million over when factoring in the space they will need to sign their draft class and reach the minimum of 51 rostered players, according to Over the Cap. This may make it difficult for the Chargers to offer Barkley a significant payday.
A dark horse in the Barkley sweepstakes could be the Houston Texans, who have the league’s third-most salary cap space. According to Over the Cap, the Texans have around $57 million to work with, which will allow them to be active on the free-agent market this season.
The Texans do have many crucial players hitting the market as well that they may look to bring back, so whether they will actually go for Barkley is unknown. However, with a hungry, young, and upcoming team that seems to have the pieces in place to win right away, Houston may have both the financial resources and the Super Bowl-caliber team that could be enough to lure Barkley away from the Giants.