Chargers Miss Out on Saquon Barkley, Heads to NFC Contender

The Chargers will need to look elsewhere now.

The Los Angeles Chargers will need to find themselves another running back this offseason as their biggest target is now off the board. Former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has agreed to a massive deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Former Giants RB Saquon Barkley reached agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75M and includes $26M fully guaranteed at signing, per sources.

Barkley now beats the franchise tag number and has a maximum… pic.twitter.com/d2TnEWhaQ0

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024

Barkley had been a major option for the Bolts to consider this offseason, but they likely were never going to pay him the money he wanted. He lands a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75 million. 

The Penn State product will give the Eagles a true weapon to work with out of the backfield, and the Bolts are back to square one. There have been reports about the Chargers bringing back Austin Ekeler, but they may want to upgrade still. 

However, with this news, Ekeler may be a sure bet to come back now. The Chargers need a strong running game under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, and Ekeler should be able to provide the team with that.

He has been a productive member for years and could see an increased role under the new coaching staff. Ekeler was injured for parts of last season, which could have contributed to his struggles.

Either way, the team needs a starting running back, and missing out on Barkley is a big loss for the Bolts.