Texans Have ‘Strong Interest’ In RB Saquon Barkley

Dianna Russini reports that aside from the Eagles, the Texans are expected to have a strong interest in free agent RB Saquon Barkley.

DJ Bien-Aime added Texans GM Nick Caserio is being aggressive in his pursuit of Barkley, and if he doesn’t sign him it won’t be for a lack of trying. 

There are several teams expected to be interested in Barkley when free agency opens. It remains to be seen what type of contract that interest translates to, as the whole league is wary of investing too much in the running back position

Last year Barkley turned down deals that were reportedly in the neighborhood of $11 million a year. 

It’s also a possibility Barkley could return to New York if he doesn’t like what he finds in free agency.

Barkley, 27, was the second-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was entering the fourth year of a four-year, $31.19 million rookie deal with the Giants that included a $20.767 million signing bonus when the Giants picked up his fifth-year option. 

Barkley’s fifth-year option cost the Giants $7.22 million fully guaranteed for the 2022 season. He was set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2023 when he was franchised at a sum of $10.09 million fully guaranteed. 

In 2023, Barkley appeared in 14 games for the Giants and rushed for 962 yards on 247 attempts with six rushing touchdowns to go along with 41 receptions on 60 targets for 280 yards receiving and four touchdowns.

We have him included in our Top 100 – 2024 NFL Free Agents list.