Saquon Barkley of New York Giants looking on during warmups.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 11: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Six teams are being linked to New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley as 2024 NFL free agency draws closer.

Barring any late surprises, the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year will hit free agency for the first time in his career after six seasons with the Giants. This year’s free agent period will begin on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. EST.

According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, six teams are being mentioned as “primary” suitors for the 27-year-old: The Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles:
“Sources view the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles as some primary potential suitors who have the resources, need and interest to possibly sign Barkley.”
Aside from the Bears with Khalil Herbert and the Patriots with Rhamondre Stevenson, the other teams mentioned by Leonard may have to find a new RB1 once free agency begins.

Baltimore’s top two RBs, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, are pending free agents. Ditto for 2022 rushing champion Josh Jacobs with Las Vegas, D’Andre Swift for Philadelphia and Devin Singletary for the Texans.

Barkley has only played 16 games in a season twice (his rookie 2018 campaign and in the 2022 season). He has a long injury history, but the No. 2 pick of 2018 is a world-class game-changer with the ball in his hands.

Barkley has posted over 1,200 yards of offense in four of his six NFL seasons. And without his all-world abilities, the Giants would not have reached the postseason (nor would they have upset the 13-win Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round) in 2022.

The two-time Pro Bowler would be a perfect addition for just about any team without a bonafide starting RB1. As such, Barkley should generate plenty of interest once the market officially opens up.