The pending free agent running back should have quite a few potential suitors in 2024. Which team makes the most sense for one of the top rushers in the league? Saquon Barkley is an interesting case. When he's healthy and on the field, there might not be a better pure running back in the NFL.
However, Barkley has struggled with injuries from time to time and does play RB, which is a position that isn't quite as valuable as it once was. Barkley turned 27 years old earlier this month, so he should still be within his prime years. The two-time Pro Bowler is probably hoping to cash in to some degree this offseason, and there could be several suitors for him in 2024.
4 free agent destinations for Saquon Barkley in 2024 NFL Season
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are one of the best and most electric offenses in the NFL. Their rushing attack is typically always elite, and that is largely due to Lamar Jackson, the best rushing QB in the history of the NFL. Jackson has handed the ball off to numerous RBs in the Ravens offense through the years, but no one has really stuck in the lineup and has been consistent. Barkley could end up being that guy for Baltimore.
Barkley has had four seasons with at least 1,200 yards from scrimmage and has 35 rushing touchdowns in 74 regular season games, so he scores a TD on the ground almost every other game. Barkley could be a huge missing link the Ravens can add to their offense in 2024.
2. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans rushed for just 1,647 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. Their rushing attack was incredibly weak and a non-factor for the most part. With H-Town not having to pay stud QB CJ Stroud for another couple of years, and them being flush with cap space in 2024, it would make sense for them to dive heavy into the free agency pool while they can.
Maximizing their chances with CJ Stroud still on his rookie deal is the plan that Houston should implement in 2024 and in future offseasons. Devin Singletary and Dameon Pierce were simply not a viable rushing tandem for them in 2023. Adding Barkley to that room, who also brings receiving ability, would take this Texans' offense to another level.
And I do think Barkley might be able to have better injury luck overall playing in a climate-controlled environment in Houston. The Texans are in the AFC South, and both they and the Indianapolis Colts have a roof over their stadium. The Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars obviously play in warmer climates too, so I think for the sake of breaking his injury habits, signing with a good-weather division is also a viable factor.
3. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears did rush for 2,399 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024, but they did not have a true thumper at the RB position. QB Justin Fields, who I do not think will be there next year, was the team's leading rusher in 2023, racking up 657 yards on the ground.
Khalil Herbert rushed for 611 yards. D'Onta Foreman rushed for 425 yards and Roschon Johnson rushed for 352 yards. None of their running backs had 1,000 yards from scrimmage, so while their offense does have a plethora of adequate playmakers, they don't have a guy in the backfield, if that makes sense. I think GM Ryan Poles could convince himself to spend a bit on a new running back if he resets the team's QB situation with Caleb Williams.
4. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos traded up in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft for Javonte Williams. Frankly, that was a silly move, and the team isn't getting anything close to matching a return on that investment. Sean Payton has a clear history of prioritizing and paying for running backs during his career.
Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, and Reggie Bush are all examples of Payton making substantial commitments to the backfield. I would not be surprised if he tried to upgrade this unit in 2024. The Broncos did get some encouraging play from shifty RB Jaleel McLaughlin, and I think he'll have a sizeable role on offense in 2024.
Both Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine are two players who I think Payton can try to move on from to bring in Saquon Barkley. A potential RB stable in 2024 of Barkely / McLaughlin / Rookie does seem to be one that could elevate the Broncos run game in 2024.