There have been a lot of discussions about the future of New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley. After signing a one-year deal that could reach $11 million if he hits incentives, the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft will be with Big Blue for at least one more season. But, beyond 2023, it is anyone’s guess how things will shake out.
The contract that Saquon Barkley agreed to doesn’t include a clause about not being franchise tagged, so he could be in the same position next year as he was this year. The only thing that he really has in his control is performing well on the field to force the Giants’ hand and give him a contract he is worthy of.
Or, playing well could be an audition for another team around the league. Saquon Barkley has proven to be one of the most talented offensive players in the NFL when healthy. He would be helpful to a lot of teams around the NFL and a former Giants star believes that he should force his way to another team.
While making an appearance on The Carton Show with Craig Carton, Victor Cruz shared his opinion on the situation. He believes that it would be in the best interest of Saquon Barkley to force his way to the Chicago Bears via trade.
“But after this year, the Giants are going to franchise tag him again. It’s going to be the same song. And so, he should go to Chicago where they got a young quarterback. They don’t have to pay for a couple of years. They got D.J. Moore as a wide receiver. Insert Saquon Barkley at running back.
“The offensive line is redone. It’s nice to adapt. It feels nice and cozy there. The defense is formidable. I’m telling him, after this year, I would request a trade to Chicago.”
Cruz’s suggestion is certainly an interesting one. With D.J. Moore now on the perimeter, teams won’t be able to load up the box against the Bears and dare them to throw. Even while doing that last season, Chicago led the NFL in rushing yards.
Imagine what the rushing game could look like with Saquon Barkley back there with Justin Fields and teams having to respect Moore, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool on the perimeter? On paper, that would have the makings of one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.
It will certainly be something to keep an eye on as the Bears seemingly jumped on the bandwagon of not paying running backs this offseason. They let David Montgomery leave in free agency, replacing him with D’Onta Foreman, Travis Homer and rookie Roschon Johnson, who will make just about $4.3 million combined in 2023; Montgomery signed a three-year, $18 million deal with the Detroit Lions in free agency.
It would be hard to imagine the Bears not only signing Saquon Barkley to the big contract he will be seeking but trading draft capital to the Giants. New York isn’t going to just give him away and a trade package similar to what the Carolina Panthers receiver from the San Francisco 49ers for Christian McCaffrey would likely be what the Giants seek out.
