New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is going to get a nice payday this offseason. The impending free agent got things back on track in 2022 after three injury-marred seasons that led to decreased production.
Saquon Barkley couldn’t have picked a better time to show people why he was regarded as one of the best running backs in the NFL after a stellar rookie season in 2018. Set to hit unrestricted free agency, he is going to receive a sizable contract after the performance he had.
As the lone impact player on offense for the Giants, Saquon Barkley carried a heavy workload on a weekly basis. At times it seemed to lead to some fatigue as he also battled a shoulder ailment. But, he played in 16 games before sitting out Week 18 as many of the starters did.
The Penn State product finished the season with a career-high 295 carries for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, with the yardage also being the most in a single season in his career. He caught 57 passes for 338 yards in what was all around a very productive season.
There is no doubt that the Giants would love to retain him in free agency as he is the key to their success offensively. A former NFL executive that spoke to NFL Analysis Network believes that Saquon Barkley will ultimately return to Big Blue, but believes the Miami Dolphins are a dark horse team to keep an eye on.
“The overwhelming expectation is that Saquon (Barkley) will remain with the Giants. However, the Miami Dolphins are a team to watch. They are going to have interest in signing him in free agency if they have a chance.”
Five different players listed as running backs ran the ball for the Dolphins in 2022. Zero of them are under contract with the team for 2023. That is one position you can be sure that Miami’s front office could look to make a splash after finishing 31st in attempts and 25th in yardage gained.
Adding Saquon Barkley to an offense that already has Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle at wide receiver would give opponents headaches when trying to game plan. It would be nearly impossible to slow down a trio that explosive; you would only hope to contain them.
Looking to take pressure off of Tua Tagovailoa in the passing game, expect the Dolphins to be aggressive on the running back market. Saquon Barkley would be a dream addition, but unless they blow him away with an offer, it is hard to imagine the Giants not retaining him.
