Texans 'Team to Watch' For Giants Star Saquon Barkley?

The Houston Texans could be a big player in free agency this offseason.

The Houston Texans were one of the most improved teams in the NFL this past season, following up a 3-13-1 2022 season with a 10-7 campaign and an AFC South title in 2023. 

One of the ways they made those improvements was by attacking the free agency market last off-season, bringing in names like Noah Brown, Dalton Schultz, Steven Nelson, Devin Singletary, Denzel Perryman, and many more - each of which played a big role in the teams run to the postseason. 

Heading into the new offseason, the Texans are in a similar position, with 36 players heading toward free agency and nearly $58 million in cap space to utilize. Suffice it to say, the Texans will have the ability to make a splash this offseason. 

And it appears that splash could come conceivably come from New York Giants star Saquon Barkley, with Bleacher Report listing the Texans as a 'team to watch' for the veteran running back.

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"On a top offense, Barkley's efficiency can soar. That's why Houston is a fun team to consider," Bleacher report wrote. "However, it's tough to see the Giants actually letting him walk. Barkley's value on the open market would likely be around $10 million, and New York can slap the franchise tag on him for approximately $12 million. He'll probably stay a member of the Giants in 2024—although a trade at any point in the year is very much a possibility."

As Bleacher Report states, it's hard to imagine the Giants letting a talent like Barkley escape in the open market without getting anything in return. 

But if they somehow do let Barkley go, or the Texans choose to get involved in a trade with the Giants, it would be a tremendous upgrade for Houston that could put them over the top in the AFC. 

Houston already has arguably the best young quarterback in the NFL in C.J. Stroud. They have a young and talented tandem at receiver with Nico Collins and Tank Dell, a mismatch tight end in Brevin Jordan, as well as ample young talent along the offensive front. 

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Meanwhile, at running back, Houston's leading rusher from last season, Devin Singletary, is heading to the free agency market himself, leaving a gaping hole at the position - and the opportunity for the Texans to make a splash.

Yes, the Texans do still have Dameon Pierce on a rookie contract, but after a subpar second season in which he averaged just 2.9 yards per carry, it appears his 2022 breakout may have been a flash in the pan.

After all, Singletary shined, amassing over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 4.4 yards per touch.

If the Texans were able to land Barkley, it is hard to imagine he would not at least equal - or more likely eclipse - Singletary's production in Bobby Slowik's offense.