Is Saquon Barkley an NFL free agent in 2023? 5 best landing spots for the RB in free agency

Saquon Barkley completed his fifth season as a running back for the New York Giants, leading them to the divisional round of the 2023 NFL playoffs.

The Giants ended the regular season at 9-7-1, third in the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. They won their wild-card game against the Minnesota Vikings, but suffered a 38-7 loss against the Eagles in the second round.

The two-time Pro Bowler had two seasons marred by injuries, but in 2022 he was healthy and finished fifth at his position in fantasy points with 284. Barkley will now be a free agent.

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The New York Giants drafted Barkley as the second pick in 2018. He then signed a four-year, $31.19 million contract. In 2021, the Giants exercised a $7.2 million option for 2022.

Barkley has been an important asset for the Giants offense, and many believe the franchise will keep him for a longer period. However, no deal has been made between the two and very soon Barkley could be looking for another team to play for.

Five interesting spots for Saquon Barkley to land next season

Kansas City Chiefs

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs' injury-prone and unreliable running back, seems to be out of the picture, while Jerick McKinnon is set to become a free agent. As JuJu Smith-Schuster approaches free agency, Kansas City may be hoping for a dynamic, pass-catching return.

Every fantasy football manager's wish come true would be to have Saquon Barkley in the same backfield as Patrick Mahomes.

Buffalo Bills

Devin Singletary will be a free agent, and James Cook's future doesn't look promising with the Bills. There's a good chance the Bills will go all in on Barkley as their new lead rusher. If Saquon Barkley signs with the Bills, he will be in a much more balanced offense where opponents would have a hard time stopping him.

Miami Dolphins

Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Salvon Ahmed (RFA) and Myles Gaskin are all expected to become free agents. Therefore, the Dolphins would need a starting running back. Miami might opt to make a strong push for Barkley given the position's dire necessity. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, combined with Barkley, would boost the Dolphins offense to the next level.

Philadelphia Eagles

Miles Sanders and Boston Scott are expected to become free agents, thus the Eagles may be searching for a starter running back. With players like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, their offense is already stacked, but with Saquon Barkley in the backfield, it may explode.

Chicago Bears

Chicago might want to get Barkley to be the star of their offense, as David Montgomery, an experienced player, is about to hit the free-agent market. Barkley would have a lot of touches as a runner and a pass receiver in this scenario, because there are hardly any alpha wideouts on the team.

Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein