New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26). Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Why AFC South team is an excellent landing spot for Saquon Barkley

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 2/20/24

The Houston Texans might be one player away from becoming an AFC powerhouse. Perhaps New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is the piece they need.

Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reported the Giants probably won't franchise tag the two-time Pro Bowler for a second straight year, meaning he'll test free agency.

ESPN's Matt Bowen named the Texans the best landing spot for the former first-round pick.

"With Devin Singletary hitting the free agent market, the Texans could swing big here to add Barkley as a dual-threat player in Bobby Slowik's offense," wrote Bowen. "Think of Barkley as an underneath outlet for C.J. Stroud, in addition to the rushing volume he would take on. Barkley has averaged 98.8 scrimmage yards over his career with the Giants, and he would bring even more juice to one of the league's most dynamic offenses."

Saquon TD!

: FOX pic.twitter.com/BObOTvWyMl
— New York Giants (@Giants) November 19, 2023

The Texans failed to develop a consistent ground game last season, finishing 28th in the league in rushing yards (92.7). Adding Barkley could create a more balanced attack and take the pressure off of Stroud.

The 27-year-old missed three games with a high ankle sprain but was still fairly productive, rushing for 962 yards and six touchdowns on 247 carries.

His numbers would improve with a better team. New York went 6-11 last season, missing the playoffs for the second time in the past three seasons.

The Texans can splurge this offseason. Spotrac estimates they have the sixth-most cap space ($62.23M) in the NFL. Barkley's market value is a three-year deal worth $9.9M annually, seventh at his position.

Houston is heading in the right direction after it won the AFC South for the first time since 2019. Acquiring some stars in free agency will bolster a strong roster and help them make a deeper postseason run.

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