Should Bills Trade For Giants RB Saquon Barkley?

With the connections between the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants' organizations, a trade for Saquon Barkley if he's still on the franchise tag makes sense.

For as good as Josh Allen has become, one could argue the Buffalo Bills still need to get him more help if they want to make it out of the AFC. 

Even with the season near, a potential difference-maker for Buffalo's offense may be there for the taking. 

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is currently under the franchise tag. Barkley and the Giants have until 4 p.m. on Monday to agree on a new contract, or he'll have to play under the tag. 

If they can't agree on a new deal, Buffalo shouldn't hesitate to see if the star running back is available. 

Barkley and the Giants aren't on the best of terms after spending the better part of last season negotiating a deal, only to never agree to one. Barkley reportedly turned down a deal during the regular season that was worth more than what New York is currently offering. Given the state of the running back position and how teams are more reluctant now than ever to pay running backs, few teams are capable of going all in for a player of Barkley's caliber. 

The two-time All-Pro running back and 2022 Comeback Player Of The Year returned to form last season. After tearing his ACL in 2020 and being a part of an abysmal offense in 2021, Barkley lived up to the billing as a former No. 2 pick last season, helping lead the Giants to the NFC Divisional Round. He ran for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 338 receiving yards.

There's also a connection with the coaching staff and front office between the Bills and Giants. Joe Schoen, the general manager for New York, was the assistant GM in Buffalo from 2017 to 2021. Current Giants head coach Brian Daboll was Buffalo's offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

If the Giants and Barkley can't agree to a new contract, Buffalo has to at least inquire about the running back. Barkley would greatly improve a Bills running game that is far too reliant on Allen, who was second among quarterbacks in rushing yards in 2022. At some point, the hits he takes on a game-to-game basis will take their toll. 

Not only would Barkley help alleviate that concern, he'd add another dimension in the running and passing game that the Bills offense currently doesn't have out of the backfield. 

For most teams, going all in for a running back wouldn't be the best use of resources, but most teams aren't in the Bills' situation. Buffalo's Super Bowl window is open, and if Barkley is available, they should do whatever it takes to land him. 

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