The New York Giants’ 2022 campaign ended during Saturday’s emphatic 38-7 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles. Giants general manager Joe Schoen now enters an offseason that’s littered with question marks. Superstar running back Saquon Barkley is scheduled for unrestricted free agency.
Saquon Barkley said he would like to re-sign with the Giants. The former Penn State standout is in a position to command a multi-year contract that could approach or surpass $15 million annually. He will have suitors if he reaches free agency. BetOnline recently updated their odds for Saquon Barkley’s next destination should he depart the Giants. We’ve identified three potential landing spots. The odds are as follows:
Baltimore Ravens (+400)
Buffalo Bills (+425)
Denver Broncos (+500)
New York Jets (+600)
New England Patriots (+700)
Dallas Cowboys (+750)
Kansas City Chiefs (+800)
Carolina Panthers (+900)
New Orleans Saints (+900)
Chicago Bears (10/1)
Seattle Seahawks (10/1)
Arizona Cardinals (14/1)
THE FAVORITE: BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Ravens are currently scheduled to possess approximately $33.8 million in 2023 cap space, according to Spotrac. Only six NFL franchises are set to have more financial freedom. A lot of that money will be allotted to re-signing Lamar Jackson should the Ravens decide to keep their franchise signal-caller.
If the Ravens move on from Jackson, signing Barkley may become a more realistic possibility. They’ll require a new offensive identity and J.K. Dobbins‘ future hangs in the balance following an injury-hampered season. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has proven he’s willing to lean on a run-heavy approach. A departing Jackson would change Baltimore’s personnel packages, but signing Barkley would largely keep Baltimore’s offensive strategy intact.
THE NO. 1 CONTENDER: BUFFALO BILLS
The Bills experienced a heartbreaking 27-10 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round. The Bills were pegged as Super Bowl favorites but ultimately fell short once again. Buffalo’s inability to effectively run the football doomed their offense throughout Sunday’s disappointment.
Buffalo gained just 63 net rushing yards against the Bengals. Devin Singletary, who’s set to become a free agent, gained 24 rushing yards via six carries. Bills general manager Brandon Beane must spend the offseason making Buffalo’s offense a bit more balanced as opposed to their overreliance on Josh Allen.
The Bills are currently scheduled to be $5.4 million over the 2023 cap, per Spotrac, but Beane is well-educated in the tactic of contract restructuring. The Bills entered last offseason with the eighth-lowest salary cap space in the NFL but managed to sign outside linebacker Von Miller to a six-year contract worth up to $120 million. The Bills could find the financial freedom necessary to sign Barkley should they deem it a wise move.
MY PREDICTION: CHICAGO BEARS
Bears general manager Ryan Poles possesses a staggering (and league-leading) $115 million in cap space. Poles could make several splash acquisitions while positioning the Bears for postseason contention. It’s time to surround franchise quarterback Justin Fields with a legitimate supporting cast.
David Montgomery is on an expiring contract and may explore other opportunities. The Bears possess the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. They’re expected to trade that pick in exchange for a king’s ransom of future draft selections. Poles possesses a wealth of his resources at his disposal this offseason. Signing Barkley and pairing him with Fields would give the Bears the most fearsome backfield across the league.
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