The Baltimore Ravens may sign two-time Pro Bowler and future former New York Giants running back, Saquon Barkley. According to a report, the franchise tag is not expected to be used on Barkley amongst other running backs set to hit the market. However, Giants General Manager, Joe Schoen says it’s possible that the franchise tag will be used for a second consecutive year. This year is different for the Giants, last year the running market was slim and they were coming off a winning season.
This offseason is shaping up to be flooded with some of the most arguably best available backs. This includes both Barkley and Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard and Austin Ekeler. However, a rumor is going around that the Ravens are looking for an upgrade at the running back position to replace Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. Both these backs are expected to hit the market and they are not expected to return.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, a Ravens’ executive pool member is very interested in Barkley in Baltimore. His desire wants Barkley in the same backfield as Lamar Jackson who could be the new formidable duo. Since being tagged last year, the former Penn State product recorded a 962-yard season off of 247 carries and six touchdowns. He contributed to 41 catches for 280 yards and four more scores.
New York selected Barkley as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has amassed 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns on 1,201 carries and 288 catches. He could be a good complement for Jackson who’s coming off his second-career league MVP.
#Giants GM Joe Schoen says the team wants to bring Saquon Barkley back as well.
“He’s a guy we’d like to have back. I think the world of Saquon and still think he can play.” https://t.co/ECRwq1Rssj pic.twitter.com/ZrXIkTLYB8
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 27, 2024
The Baltimore Ravens May Sign Two-Time Pro Bowler Saquon Barkley
Will He Sign with the Ravens?
The Ravens already have the league-best rushing attack from last year. Any back with a big name could continue bolstering the roster and could make them Super Bowl favorites. Henry has also been linked with the Ravens, but they may lean more towards Barkley. According to insiders, they expect the Ravens to add a “Bell-Cow Back” to replace Dobbins and Edwards.
Fans have been waiting a while to witness a blue-chip running back to help Jackson. The Ravens have gone through three different running backs, including Mark Ingram. Baltimore never had a superstar in the backfield to complement Jackson’s take-off abilities. However, this could all change since many sources are anticipating the Ravens to add a top-notch running back.
After coming close to the Super Bowl last playoffs, this new addition could make them legit contenders to head toward the promised land. They could add a playmaker who can replicate the same speed and mentality as Jackson. Barkley could be that answer to address any red zone issues the Ravens may have. He has that heavyweight ability that’s similar to Henry and it could help address their offensive line issues.
Ravens May Have Other Priorities
The Ravens have $16.6 million in cap space before any franchise tags and new deals. They have the potential to add big names in their backfields. However, they may be prioritizing reconstructing their offense line. They have three out of five starting offensive linemen from 2023 under contract except John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler.
They could part ways with right tackle Morgan Moses or left tackle Ronnie Staley due to cap casualties. The Ravens front office might use this offseason to rebuild the line before bringing a potential star running back to Baltimore.
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