Report: Sources view Eagles as ‘potential suitor’ for star RB Saquon Barkley

After six years with the Giants, star RB Saquon Barkley will test the open market.

The Giants did not use the franchise tag on Barkley by today’s 4 PM deadline, sending him to free agency for the first time in his career.

Barkley now headlines a deep free agent RB class that will include Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, Tony Pollard, and D’Andre Swift.

According to Giants beat writer Pat Leonard, the Eagles are one of six ‘primary potential suitors’ interested in signing Barkley.

Sources view the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Houston Texans & Philadelphia Eagles as some primary potential suitors who have the resources, need & interest to possibly sign Saquon Barkley. Stay tuned! https://t.co/OHcXVUDytZ

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) March 5, 2024

“GM Howie Roseman doesn’t make big investments in running backs, but he rents game-changers all the time. If Barkley is willing to take a one-year deal, he could fix some offensive shortcomings, stick it to the Giants twice, up his future value running through big holes and play for the favorite team of his Coplay, Pa., hometown.” — New York Post

The Eagles, who notoriously avoid paying running backs, have roughly $40M in cap space after releasing Kevin Byard. Barkley’s projected market value is around $10M annually, which would make him the seventh-highest player at his position.

Injuries have hobbled the former No. 2 overall pick, but he’s been ultra-productive when healthy while fighting behind a penurious offensive line.

Saquon Barkley over the last two seasons

• 30 games played
• 2,274 rushing yards
• 98 receptions
• 618 receiving yards
• 20 total touchdowns

At just 27 years old, Barkley still has prime years in front of him and could be the missing piece in a dynamic offense featuring Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert.

Houston is likely the biggest threat to employ Barkley, having several young stars on rookie contracts and $70M in cap space at their disposal.

The legal tampering period for NFL free agency begins March 11 at 12 PM ET, during which teams can speak with unrestricted free agents.

Saquon Barkley's 2022 season performance was 🔥

Can't wait to see what he does at the 2023 Prowl Bowl Games 😤 @NewEraCap pic.twitter.com/ss8fGctkre

— NFL (@NFL) February 3, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neill | Getty Images