New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has reportedly set his sights on joining the Houston Texans in free agency.
He has targeted the Texans as his top potential destination and is said to have been in contact with their starting quarterback, C.J. Stroud.
#Giants RB Saquon Barkley has been in contact with CJ Stroud and is targeting the #Texans as his top potential destination in free agency, per @AaronWilson_NFL pic.twitter.com/DtYgSiGgyr
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 29, 2024
The Texans, who have also expressed interest in running back Devin Singletary, are expected to explore additional running back options and may sign more than one.
Barkley had a productive season with the Giants, rushing for 967 yards and seven touchdowns, while also contributing as a receiver.
If Barkley were to join the Texans, they would become a strong team in the AFC. With a projected $67.4 million in salary cap space, the Texans are an attractive free-agent destination.
Meanwhile, Texans general manager Nick Caserio is focused on retaining their own top free agents, including Jonathan Greenard, Steven Nelson, and Devin Singletary, among others.
Looking ahead, the Texans are aiming to bolster their roster around quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: #Giants runningback Saquon Barkley has been in contact with CJ Stroud and is targeting the #Texans as his top potential destination in free agency, per @AaronWilson_NFL
“The headliner of the running back free agent class is New York Giants star Saquon Barkley, who… pic.twitter.com/KDQEUoSewL
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 29, 2024
They have decisions to make in terms of weighing the value of their own players versus potential acquisitions from other teams.
While they have cap and cash at their disposal, Caserio is not planning a spending spree and intends to allocate some of their resources towards the future, such as extending wide receiver Nico Collins.
Houston Texans General Manager, Nick Caserio, highlighted the team’s flexibility with financial commitments, emphasizing a long-term approach.
He mentioned the importance of balancing short-term goals with future considerations, acknowledging the potential of player Nico Collins.
The Texans aim to build a sustainable and competitive team that can win championships.
Caserio also discussed the team’s current free agents, particularly defensive end Jonathan Greenard, who had a breakthrough season with 12.5 sacks.
The Texans are engaged in contract extension discussions with Greenard, but his value at a premium position may complicate matters.
#Texans general manager Nick Caserio to Houston reporters on defensive free agents Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman @KPRC2 #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/S2b696i3t8
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 28, 2024
Linebacker Blake Cashman, acquired from the New York Jets, excelled in his role as a tackler and defensive signal caller last season.
While Cashman expressed his desire to stay with the Texans, his future is uncertain, and the team may explore alternatives like linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
At the same time, safety Jaylen Nelson, who had an impressive season with five interceptions and a touchdown, is expected to draw interest from other teams due to his experience and performance.
The Texans have started conversations with Nelson, but it’s unclear if an agreement will be reached.
Texans’ cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. had a successful season after recovering from a hamstring injury and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.
The team’s general manager, Nick Caserio, expressed his admiration for Stingley’s performance and mentioned that they will assess their options in free agency to find someone to play opposite him.
After running back Dameon Pierce struggled in his second season, the Texans relied on Devin Singletary as their primary runner.
Singletary led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns, and the Texans are interested in bringing him back due to his consistency and ability to maximize yardage.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans praised Singletary’s work ethic and leadership qualities, emphasizing his positive impact on the team.
In addition to Singletary, the Texans are considering other running back options, including the possibility of signing multiple players.
New York Giants’ Saquon Barkley has shown interest in joining the Texans and has been in communication with the team’s representative.
The Texans’ approach to free agency will depend on the market and the financial commitment they are willing to make for each player.
They aim to find talented football players and make good decisions in their roster building.
Tight end Dalton Schultz, who had a productive season with the Texans, is also a player the team wants to retain.
While the franchise tag hasn’t been used by the Texans in recent years, Schultz could be a potential candidate if they decide to employ it.
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio discussed the process of assigning franchise tags to players, emphasizing that it represents a fixed value that a team is committed to.
He acknowledged that while a long-term contract extension is possible, the tag is essentially a starting point for negotiations.
Caserio highlighted the importance of evaluating a player’s value and considering whether it makes sense to let them test the open market and determine their market value.
The Texans are particularly keen on re-signing kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, who has excelled in recent seasons, but they are also exploring other options.
Caserio emphasized the significance of knowing their own team and players thoroughly, including on-field performance, health, and fit within the team’s system.
He explained that when considering players from outside the team, they aim to benchmark them against their own players and determine their role and value.
#Texans general manager Nick Caserio on the cornerback market, how that relates to veteran free agent starter Steven Nelson after five-interception season 'Steve had a great year, lot of respect' @KPRC2 @KPRC2RandyMc #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/pR9IF448Io
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 28, 2024
The Texans are in a position to be active in free agency, but their focus currently lies on retaining their own free agents, while also exploring potential additions to their roster.
They are evaluating their options, considering both short-term needs and long-term sustainability as they navigate the offseason and assess their free agents.
Overall, the Texans are evaluating their options and considering various factors in their decision-making process for the upcoming season by prioritizing their own players, exploring alternatives, and carefully assessing the value and fit of potential acquisitions.
Fans reacted as follows.
Would be a crazy good offensive duo
— Penn State Talk (@PSURecruitTalk) February 29, 2024
If SB leaves — just don’t sign in the NFC East. Plz god!
— 🏌🏼 (@EzBreezyBonito) February 29, 2024
That offense would be crazy
— westsidephilosophy (@westsidephilos1) February 29, 2024
The second best washed up Barkley in Houston sports history.
— john (@LonelyMigaloo) February 29, 2024
The Texans have damon pierce and singletary waste of great running backs in my opinion
— Harryfrags® (@HarryFrags) February 29, 2024
Singletary put up numbers last season, saquon won’t make a huge difference for them imo
— stepheneverleavin (@stephentoliquid) February 29, 2024
Love the fit but only at the right price. Would rather spend big on the defensive side. 🤔
— Dee Mills (@DustinM13525052) February 29, 2024
And watch, them same fans crying about letting him go or lowballing him is gonna be hilarious
— BigEric757 (@757BigEric) February 29, 2024
QB on rookie deal. Type of team that could do a large RB deal.
— Nelson (@BelgerNelson) February 29, 2024
Those two would be the best QB / RB duo in the league immediately
— ۟ (@outthewaytre) February 29, 2024
I’ll miss him but he deserves it be treated better then how the giants treated him!!! Go get yourself a ring @saquon
— HOT TAKE CITY!! 🤧🤧🥱🥱 (@HOTTAKECITY904) February 29, 2024
If The Texans Get Saquon Barkley It would be a huge win for their roster.
— Jackson Johnson (@Jackson09960335) February 29, 2024
Yeah…. He ain’t coming back.
— LvFinest (@CaliCal310) February 28, 2024
