Aside from quarterback, the next biggest question for the Las Vegas Raiders as free agency approaches is their running back position and whether the team will bring back Josh Jacobs. If they choose not to, there is now another top option available in Saquon Barkley.
Like Jacobs, Barkley was franchise-tagged last season and unable to come to terms on a new long-term deal. This offseason, both the Raiders and Giants chose not to use the franchise tag on the backs making them free agents and free to sign with any team.
Of course, the Raiders could still agree to a new deal with Jacobs, but if they don’t they are apparently one of the primary teams with interest in signing Barkley, via Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News:
Sources view the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles as some primary potential suitors who have the resources, need and interest to possibly sign Barkley.
Barkley has struggled with health throughout his career, but there is no doubt that he is among the most talented running backs in the league when healthy. The Giants haven’t necessarily had the best-supporting cast for Barkley, but the Raiders have pieces in place that could make life easier and allow Barkley to really shine.
The biggest question surrounding Barkley is what kind of contract he is looking for this offseason. The money being paid to running backs was a huge topic of conversation last offseason, with Barkley and Jacobs both coming off career years but not getting the contract offers they were looking for. That money and who is willing to pay it will likely decide where Barkley ultimately lands.
Regardless, there will be plenty of suitors for Barkley, and he does make sense for the Raiders at the right price. Especially if the team goes young at quarterback, having a reliable back behind him will be crucial, and if Jacobs isn’t back, Barkley would represent an ideal replacement.
Last season Barkley rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games with the Giants while adding 41 catches for another 280 yards and four touchdowns through the air.
Raiders exploring trading up in first round of 2024 NFL Draft
The Raiders could be one of the NFL’s busiest teams this offseason as the team looks to get back into playoff contention. The upcoming NFL Draft will play a big role in that as well, and the team may be looking to move up and get one of the top prospects.
Much of the focus has been on the Raiders trying to move into the top 3 to grab one of the main quarterback prospects in the draft, but recent reports state that the Raiders are also exploring potential trades in the 5-7 range.
If the Raiders make a move into that range, it could be for one of the top offensive linemen, such as Notre Dame’s Joe Alt or Penn State’s Olu Fashanu.
