Patriots Mentioned Among ‘Primary’ Suitors For Record-Setting Running Back

The New England Patriots will spend their offseason trying to fill major holes on their roster and get quarterbacks and receivers. They promised to make big changes all while respecting Bill Belichick’s legacy. Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt promised to run the ball in the 2024 NFL season, meaning he needs efficient running backs to do so.

Saquon Barkley could be the perfect fit for the Patriots. The New York Daily News reported that his time with the Giants may be brought to an end. In other words, he is expected to enter the new season somewhere else. Barkley won’t have trouble finding a new home in the NFL as he has been linked to several teams.

“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,” veteran reporter Pat Leonard wrote.

Patriots have a chance to get the talented running back

The Patriots may be in a better position to get Barkley than anyone else. They have $100 million to work with. Giving Barkley a good deal won’t be a problem for Robert Kraft’s team.

Barkley entered the NFL as a No.2 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. In his first season in the league, the talented player had 1,307 yards rushing and 91 receptions out of the backfield, setting an NFL record for a rookie.

If the Patriots decide to get Barkley, they will have to take into consideration the fact that he is prone to injuries. He missed time in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Barkley was great in 2022 and became a Pro Bowl running back. In 2023, he missed three games due to an ankle injury and wasn’t %100 for most of the season. Barkley finished the season with 962 yards on 247 carries. Everything points to the fact that Barkley will deliver his best football in 2024.

According to Pro Football Focus, Barkley can get a three-year deal worth $36 million in free agency.

“Barkley is still capable of breaking off an explosive rush at any moment and made several highlight reel catches in 2023, including a wheel route touchdown that ended with a dive for the pylon in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals,” PFF wrote of Barkley’s free agency. “There’s no doubt Barkley’s highs are as high as any running back in the game, but the position market is a tricky landscape to navigate in 2024, especially with his missing extended time in three out of the past four seasons.”