New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is in the midst of a bounce-back 2022 campaign after two injury-plagued seasons. He’s also set to hit free agency and might not have a long-term future with the rebuilding Giants.
Further up state in Buffalo, the Bills find themselves in a completely different situation. Despite suffering a Week 3 loss to the division-rival Miami Dolphins, Buffalo is a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, it also lacks the balance on offense to take pressure off NFL MVP candidate Josh Allen.
This has led to former NFL quarterback and current analyst Boomer Esiason to project that a Barkley trade to the Bills could be in the cards. It’s not out of nowhere with the former No. 2 overall pick being on the trade block ahead of the start of the season. Here’s three reasons why it makes perfect sense.
Rebuilding New York Giants should trade Saquon Barkley
If Barkley keeps at his current pace, he’s going to get paid big time once free agency starts. The market will not be limited for a dual-threat running back in today’s NFL. Why would a rebuilding Giants team meet said market when Barkley isn’t the difference between a sub .500 record and playoff contention?
Barkley’s market will be somewhere near $12 million a season over five years. If the Giants were to place the franchise tag on him, his 2023 salary would come in at that $12 million cost. It makes absolutely no sense to commit that type of money to a running back, especially with New York likely having to deal with its quarterback situation now that it’s apparent Daniel Jones isn’t the answer.
