This Pending Giants Free Agent Considered a "Big Risk" by The 33rd Team
The New York Giants are the only team running back Saquon Barkley has played for in his six seasons in the National Football League. Since being drafted, Barkley has made himself one of the best backs in the league and arguably the best running back currently available in free agency.
Between the investment the Giants have made in Barkley over the years and the fact that he has accounted for so much of their offense during that span, Barkley is undoubtedly a valuable asset to the Giants or any other team he may sign with.
However, The 33rd team's Ian Valentino believes the Giants' most prized free agent is also among the riskiest free agents available to sign.
Saquon Barkley has the most concerning profile of the four big-named running backs to hit free agency this spring — Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and Barkley. Now 27 and with only one 1,000-yard season over his last four years, his remarkable 2022 breakout might be the last big season he had in the tank. Teams can't overpay Barkley for that campaign because they feel he can replicate his 1,650 total yards in a better situation.
Valentino further pointed out that despite Barkley being the bulk of the Giants' offense last year, his play has seemingly declined, starting with the lack of "special burst and explosiveness" that made him so appealing when he was coming out of Penn State to begin with.
The advanced numbers on Barkley's 2023 season are concerning. Even taking into account the Giants' lousy quarterback play and limited offensive line talent, a back who ranked 48th in juke rate, 21st in evaded tackles, 15th in breakaway runs, and 46th in yards created per touch should raise red flags. The best value Barkley brings is as a pass-catcher, where he averaged 7.3 yards per reception throughout his career.
The Giants have said they'd like Barkley back, but they reportedly aren't willing to spend big money to make that happen. Barkley, meanwhile, is reportedly already drawing interest from other teams who plan to reach out to his representation once the legal "tampering" period opens on Monday.
