Saquon Barkley is one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the NFL, and the New York Giants are hoping to keep him in town for the long-term. But with the NFL’s free agency period set to kick off in March, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Barkley could be on the move. On Sunday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Giants are unlikely to reach a long-term agreement with Barkley, leaving his future in limbo.
The Giants have reportedly made a long-term offer to Barkley, but the two sides are not close to a deal. Even if the Giants are able to reach a long-term agreement with quarterback Daniel Jones, they would likely franchise tag Barkley and bring him back. But if Jones’ deal doesn’t get done, Barkley would become a free agent.
That could open the door for teams like the Chicago Bears, who have several potential free agents of their own in Ryan Poles and David Montgomery. If the Bears can’t reach a deal with those players, Barkley could be the top target on the free agent market. While it’s difficult to predict what kind of contract Barkley could command, it’s safe to say that he’ll be one of the most highly sought-after players in the league.
The Bears have the salary cap space to make a move on Barkley, and they could be tempted to do so given his talent and potential. But they’ll also have to weigh their options carefully, as it’s unlikely that the Giants will let him go without a fight. Regardless of what happens, it’s sure to be a dramatic offseason for Barkley and the Giants.
