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Ryan Leaf Thinks Chargers May Have Interest in Saquon Barkley

Ryan Leaf believes new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is looking to build up a monster running game that could include Saquon Barkley if he becomes available.
Patricia Traina|
Ryan Leaf Thinks Chargers May Have Interest in Saquon Barkley
Ryan Leaf Thinks Chargers May Have Interest in Saquon Barkley

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New York GiantsLos Angeles Chargers

Saquon Barkley to the Los Angeles Chargers?

That's what former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, appearing on Good Morning Football, thinks could happen if the New York Giants running back hits the free agent market.

Leaf, who was once teammates on the Los Angeles Chargers with fellow quarterback Jim Harbaugh, now the new head coach of the Bolts, said that Harbaugh has grand plans for the team's running back room.

"Austin Ekler is a big part of what could be, with them running the football, but I do think that Saquon Barkley is going to be at the top of his list in terms of what he wants to do with the running back position," Leaf said. 

Both Ekler and Barkley are set to be free agents when their respective contracts expire next month. However, if Harbaugh does indeed have his sights set on landing Barkley, he might have to be prepared to not only construct a monster offer sheet for the former Penn State star but also give up two first-round draft picks.

Predicting Saquon Barkley's Next Contract

That's because it is widely believed that New York will use the franchise tag on Barkley if they can't strike a new deal with the running back before the March 5 franchise and transition tag deadline.

Barkley has repeatedly said he'd like to be a Giant for life, a sentiment the Giants have shared. But last year, the two sides were unable to make that happen as Barkley, during an appearance on the Money Matters podcast before the start of training camp last year, revealed that he and the Giants viewed his overall value differently.

Barkley, who in an unprecedented move added CAA to his negotiating team, which had already included Roc Nation Sports, has since quietly ended his business relationship with the latter, making CAA his sole representation for his upcoming contract talks with the Giants, according to NFLPA records. 

Barkley told reporters at the end of the 2023 season that he's "numb" to the idea of being hit with the franchise tag for a second year in a row.

"I don't have any feelings toward that at all," he said. "If you're going to do it, just don't wait until March 5. Just get it over with. If not, let me go. Simple."

Whether it's actually "simple" depends on how the negotiations with CAA and the Giants, which Giants general manager Joe Schoen said will take place at the combine, progress.

If things don't progress and if what Leaf says is true about the Chargers having an interest in acquiring Barkley, the Giants could look to do a tag-and-trade.

Leaf acknowledged that a potential run at Barkley wouldn't be easy for the Chargers if the Giants use the franchise tag again but insists that Harbaugh has a vision that includes "running the football and using those guys down the field in play action."

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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