Giants Won't Franchise Tag Saquon Barkley; Will Texans Sign?

The Houston Texans will at least have a chance to sign Saquon Barkley as their lead back in 2024.

The Houston Texans might be in a bidding war to land New York Giants Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley, but they'll at least have a shot to sign him entering free agency next week. 

The Giants are not expected to franchise tag Barkley for a second consecutive season, making him a free agent for the first time in his career. Expectations are New York will look to retain the two-time Pro Bowl tailback on a long-term deal this offseason, but will also explore the market for potential replacements. 

Barkley, 27, knew heading into free agency that his chances of being tagged were slim. On the final day of last year's franchise tag window, the 2018 first-round pick was slapped with the one-year rental option while quarterback Daniel Jones was given a lucrative four-year, $160m million extension. 

Tagging Barkley for a second straight offseason would’ve cost New York $12.1 million — roughly $2 million more than Barkley’s initial tag from last year. Before the start of the year, Barkley agreed to a one-year deal worth $11 million rather than signing the $10.1 million franchise tender. 

Even in a crowded running back market, Barkley is viewed as the top option in free agency, at least according to most analysts. Some believe Las Vegas Raiders star Josh Jacobs might be the best of the group, but he's also expected to return to Sin City to play under newly hired Antonio Pierce. 

Despite winning the AFC South division title for the first time since 2019, Houston's run game factored into a race to first place in Week 18. The Texans finished 22nd in rushing and were one of 11 teams to average less than 100 yards per game. 

Devin Singletary hit his stride midseason after replacing Dameon Pierce as the lead back, rushing for a career-high 898 yards and four touchdowns. Outside of the free-agent find, the Texans averaged 3.1 yards per attempt and scored a combined three touchdowns. 

The Texans would love to have Singletary back for another year, according to several sources. Singletary, 26, said at the season's end he'd love to play for a "rising team with great fan atmosphere" but it would come down to salary. 

“Devin is made of the right stuff," said Texans coach DeMeco Ryans last week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "He’s a hard worker. He’s a leader. He shows up every day in practice with a great attitude, and the guys around him feed off of that.”

Retaining Singletary does not mean the Texans will bypass a talent like Barkley. Sources told Texans Daily that Houston would explore adding at least two running backs this offseason, both of which could be acquired in free agency. 

Barkley also has been in contact with Texans quarterback and Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud this offseason. According to KPRC2 News, Barkley has targeted the Texans as his top potential destination. 

Pricing, however, will be the deciding factor. Barkley is expected to command a market around roughly. $11-$15 million annually. The Texans could sign Singletary to a multi-year deal before pivoting over to a more cost-friendly option like D'Andre Swift, Tony Pollard, or Zach Moss.

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Barkley, who rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns, missed three games due last season to an ankle injury. When healthy, he's been a consistent 1,000-yard rusher, surpassing the marker three times in six seasons. 

Since being drafted No. 2 overall out of Penn State, Barkley has rushed for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns in six seasons. As a receiver, he's hauled 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Free agency officially begins on March 11.