'Slam Dunk!': Analyst Thinks Star Free Agent Saquon Barkley Is 'Perfect Fit' With Texans
Saquon Barkley is a name Houston Texans fans have begun clamoring for entering the offseason.
Will he eventually join forces with Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, pass-catcher Nico Collins, and a Texans' offense in need of a prominent tailback? At least one analyst hopes to see it happen.
Former NFL linebacker and current ESPN broadcaster Bart Scott called Houston the "perfect fit" for Barkley during Wednesday's broadcast.
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Barkley, who entering his seventh season with the New York Giants, played under the franchise tag in 2023, and is expected to hit the market for the first time in his career.
With Houston, Scott sees Barkley transforming into the runner New York envisioned with the No. 2 pick.
"I think Saquon to Houston is a slam dunk," Scott said Wednesday during an appearance on ESPN's Get Up. "Everything that you can do to support a young quarterback—environment matters."
Scott compared Barkley's move to Houston to that of Willis McGahee with the Baltimore Ravens. A former first-round pick by the Buffalo Bills, fans believed McGahee's best years were behind him due to injury.
One season with the Ravens and the juice was back. McGahee totaled over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns in 2007. During his three seasons with the AFC North franchise, McGahee averaged 4.4 yards per attempt and 8.4 touchdowns.
Houston has been linked to Barkley and multiple other runners this season. With Devin Singletary entering free agency and Dameon Pierce likely destined for a backup role, the Texans need at least one more body to compete for first-team reps.
Singletary, who finished with over 1,000 scrimmage yards, expressed interest in returning, stating the atmosphere in Houston is skyrocketing. The future is bright at NRG Stadium with or without Singletary, but the asking price likely determines his status.
Barkley, 27, remains one of the league's top rushers when healthy. In six seasons, the former Offensive Rookie of the Year has rushed for over 5,200 yards and 35 touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per contest.
Barkley's best season came in 2022 after rushing for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also averaged 5.6 yards per catch and helped the Giants end their six-year playoff drought.
Asking price matters. It's almost a deal-breaker with running backs these days, who expect top dollar, but often end up settling for the best offer on the table. Barkley is reportedly expected to earn roughly $10-$13 million annually on his next contract.
Could the Texans swing that deal? What would be the length? Is there a scenario where Houston brings in Barkley and still drafts another runner on Day 3 in the draft? All that comes down to pricing with general manager Nick Caserio and Barkley's camp.
Houston has the cap space to offer Barkley a deal to his liking. It also won't force the Texans to make major financial decisions with internal free agents like defensive end Jonathan Greenard, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, and tight end Dalton Schultz.
After a surprise start to a new era, Caserio is looking to build, not blow it up. Barkley could be a slam-dunk addition for any backfield.
He might be a game-changer for Houston.
