5 Possible Trade Destinations For Saquon Barkley
Coming out of Penn State in the 2018 NFL Draft, Saquon Barkley was as can’t miss a prospect as you could find. While in college, Barkley racked up a total of 5,538 all-purpose yards and 53 total touchdowns. His last college game, the classic Rose Bowl matchup against USC, cemented his status as a bonafide talent and a sure-fire first-round pick. An impressive showing at the combine saw his draft stock skyrocket, and come draft day he was drafted 2nd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft to the New York Giants. Things were looking up for Giants fans, as in Barkley’s rookie year, he ended up winning 2018 Rookie of the Year after a season in which he had 2,028 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns. The future was bright for Barkley and the Giants.
Until it wasn’t.
His career has gotten derailed, thanks to a multitude of reasons. Whether it be constantly being banged up, playing behind a poor offensive line, not having talent at QB, or trying to live up to the sky-high expectations that were placed on him. Saquon Barkley is certainly nowhere near the bust category, but to say he has failed to meet expectations I think is a fair assessment. With the right system and proper coaching, I believe Barkley can find his potential. With his GM coming out this week saying all options are on the table as far as trades go, I think it would be wise for both parties to look for a trade. With that being said, let’s take a look at 5 teams that should make a play for the 25-year-old running back.
*The order in which the teams are listed doesn’t necessarily mean the favorites to land Barkley, more just listing them out in general.*
#1- Buffalo Bills
Let’s keep Saquon Barkley nearby by moving him to the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have a clear need at the position, and adding Barkley gives the Bills a bonafide number 1 option at the position. He is simply just better than Devin Singletary and Zack Moss. The Bills, who reached the Divisional Round of the Playoffs this past year, are clearly in win-now mode, and moving for the former Rookie of the Year should place them near the tops of the favorites list to come out of the AFC. His ability to catch out of the backfield would be a dream come true for QB Josh Allen, and take some of the pressure off of Allen’s top receiver Stefon Diggs.
#2- New England Patriots
Moving to another AFC East team in need of a dynamic running back, here comes Bill Belichick to revive the dying career of Saquon Barkley. Looking at the Patriots roster, they clearly have a guy in Damien Harris and a solid backup in Rhamondre Stevenson, but I believe that Barkley in this system would be better than both. The 1-2 combo of Barkley and Harris would be lethal. This would really help Mac Jones as well because this would turn this offense into even more of a run-first style, taking even more pressure off of the young QB. If there is anyone in the NFL who can turn around the career of Barkley, it’s Belichick.
#3- Kansas City Chiefs
The rich simply get richer. Yes, the Chiefs have clear needs outside of running back. You might not think that running back is even a need since they have Clyde Edwards-Helaire. But what is this Chiefs offense known for? Explosive players. Who fits that mold better than Barkley? Another tempting 1-2 combo in Barkley and CEH should have Andy Reid salivating at the mouth as if he was looking at a buffet of cheeseburgers. CEH has shown a history of injuries as well, and if you can keep one guy healthy, this offense becomes that much more dynamic.
#4- San Francisco 49ers
Listen, this experiment with having Deebo Samuel at running back is a nice idea. It’s going to be figured out this off-season and opposing defenses will find ways to neutralize him, at least coming out of the backfield. He’s still a superstar, after all. Elijah Mitchell isn’t the answer at running back. Saquon Barkley is a clear upgrade at the position and it won’t cost much to get him. Adding Barkley to Samuel and Kittle takes this explosive offense to the next level. Plus, handing off to a guy like Barkley helps Jimmy Garoppolo look less…sucky.
#5- Los Angeles Chargers
Hear me out on this one.
Austin Ekeler has not played a full season since 2019, and this past season he did play 16 out of 18 games, he was often banged up and was not 100%. Ekeler is mostly known as a receiving back, and by adding Saquon Barkley, he brings the thunder to Ekeler’s lightning. It is not a need for the Chargers, but with the Chargers likely losing Mike Williams after his career year this year, if the Chargers’ offense can keep up with the rest of the powerhouses in the AFC by adding Barkley, they can address their other glaring needs in free agency and the draft.
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