Texans Free Agency: Is Giants Running Back Saquon Barkley a Houston Fit?

The Houston Texans will likely look for an upgrade at running back in free agency this offseason. Should New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley be their priority?

Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary emerged in the second half of the season as a sign of life for a running game that just could not get off the ground.

Between Dameon Pierce’s struggles and no semblance of continuity on the offensive line, Houston would finish 26th in expected points added per rush and 27th by success rate. Singletary may be the biggest reason the Texans didn’t rank dead last.

However, Singletary’s success hinged on his technique and fundamentals and frequently limited splash-play opportunities. Houston has the positional need and the cap flexibility to go big-game fishing in free agency. Could New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley be the answer?

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Per ESPN’s rendition of the best fits in free agency, Barkley is the running back that best positions Houston for success.

“The Texans could swing big here to add Barkley as a dual-threat player in [offensive coordinator] Bobby Slowik’s offense,” Matt Bowen wrote. “Think of Barkley as an underneath outlet for C.J. Stroud, in addition to the rushing volume he would take on.

“Barkley has averaged 98.8 scrimmage yards over his career with the Giants, and he would bring even more juice to one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.”

As much as Stroud’s excellence under center may distract from the importance of the ground game, Barkley would theoretically take the load off of Stroud’s shoulders. Being able to carry a team’s offense and having to do so are completely different tasks.

Keeping Houston two-dimensional can be key in keeping the offense competitive against the league’s best defenses. It’s a passing league, and decision-makers know that. Teams are built to prevent explosive plays and rush the passer. A strong rushing attack that can keep a defense on its toes and create explosives without the turnover risk can be invaluable, especially in the playoffs.

Barkley just capped off his second-consecutive strong season in his (presumed) farewell to New York. He may never recapture the lightning in the bottle of his electric rookie season, but 962 yards and a half-dozen scores behind a putrid offensive line is no small feat.

Of 38 qualified rushers, Barkley had the eighth-highest breakaway rush percentage (31.7 percent) and proved to be an elite pass protector, ranking fourth among that same group in Pro Football Focus’ pass block grade. Being able to stay on the field is a nice boost, and his ability to stay in the backfield against the blitz is perhaps the biggest differentiator between him and Singletary (30th in pass block grade).

How Much Will Texans Prioritize Signing a Running Back in Free agency?

From his fit in Slowik’s offense to the benefits he’ll provide without the ball in his hands, few free agents fit better than Barkley would with the Texans.