Saquon Barkley Reportedly Has Top Free Agent Destination Decided

One of the biggest questions awaiting the New York Giants this offseason is the status of star running back Saquon Barkley. The pending free agent will naturally have plenty of suitors in the open market after another solid, productive campaign. Out of all interested parties, the Pro Bowl rusher seems to have a preferred destination.

According to long-time NFL reporter Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Barkley has the Houston Texans at the top of his list of destinations in free agency.

Free Agent RB Saquon Barkley Wants to Sign With The Houston Texans

The reporting suggests that Barkley has been in touch with the Texans' young quarterback CJ Stroud this offseason. This makes some sense as the Texans look to take another step forward in 2024 and are in need of more depth in their running back rotation.

Plus, the Texans have a ton of cap space. They have over $65 million to spend this offseason, the sixth-most in the NFL, meaning that not only can they afford to sign Barkley, but can also make high-level additions in other positions.

The Giants would love to keep Barkley around for the right price, but the relationship between the sides has severed over the years. Barkley famously held out the last offseason before playing on a franchise tag. This wasn't enough to save the Giants' season, who missed the playoffs for the fifth time in Barkley's six-year career.

Barkley, however, did his part, rushing for 962 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 280 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the passing game in 14 appearances.

Any team that is going to lure Barkley will likely have to pay over $10 million annually for the star. What that number is going to be and whether GM Joe Schoen will be willing to pay it remains to be seen.

Regardless of what happens with Barkley, the New York Giants are considered a long shot (+900) to win the NFC East next season.

More Giants news and rumors:

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.