Source: Texans Have 'Offer on the Table' for Free Agent Running Back Saquon Barkley
HOUSTON — The running back market has dwindled at the start of free agency Monday morning. However, the Houston Texans are still in the running for All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley.
And now, Houston is aggressively going after Barkley, a source tells TexansDaily.com, stating that the Texans "have an offer on the table." However, the Philadelphia Eagles are still in the running for Barkley.
The Texans are still in the running for All Pro Running back Saquon Barkley.
Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA TODAY NETWORK
The two-time All-Pro running back would provide Houston with an immense upgrade at the position.
Barkley has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three out of his six seasons in the league. In 2023, he fell short of achieving the milestone by 38 yards. Barkley finished his sixth season with the Giants, rushing for 962 yards on 247 attempts and six touchdowns.
Barkley also possesses the versatile skills needed to be used in the passing game. Last season, he caught 46 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns.
"I think the running game will be significant for us to improve upon," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "I think as you see as you go throughout this game, especially in the postseason, teams that win games – you’ve got to be able to run the football and sustain it. And we weren’t able to accomplish that versus the [Baltimore] Ravens, and it showed up.
"We [definitely] have areas to improve – many different areas – but the run game is one of those areas."
Before the start of the 2023 season, the thought of the Texans prioritizing a running back in free agency appeared laughable. The future seemed bright for then-starting running back Dameon Pierce, who nearly rushed for 1,000 yards as a rookie in 2022.
Unfortunately for the Texans, Pierce experienced a significant decline. As a result, Devin Singletary gave Houston a significant boost in their rushing attack midway through the season.
