National Football League

Saquon Barkley next team odds: Eagles, Texans could be landing spots for star RB

Updated Mar. 11, 2024 3:05 p.m. ET

Will Saquon Barkley suit up for another team next season?

The New York Giants decided not to franchise tag their star running back, allowing him to hit the open market.

The rumors continue to swirl and odds continue to move. The current betting board indicates that the running back won't be back in the Big Apple.

One team's odds of landing the star running back moved significantly over the weekend.

Let's look at updated next team odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.

SAQUON BARKLEY'S NEXT TEAM ODDS

Houston Texans: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)
Philadelphia Eagles: +350 (bet $10 to win $45 total)
Los Angeles Chargers: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Dallas Cowboys: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Baltimore Ravens: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)

* odds as of 3/11/24

Jim Harbaugh reportedly interested in RB Saquon Barkley

The Bears had been in the running and the favorites to snag Saquon. However, on Monday morning, running back D'Andre Swift signed a three-year, $24 million deal with Chicago.

This most likely means that the Bears will no longer be competing for Bakley's services.

With Chicago out of the running, two other teams are closing in to snag Saquon — Houston and Philadelphia.

Houston, which was favored last week, still sits on top of the list at +250. Their odds moved slightly over the weekend, from +200 to +250.

Philadelphia (+350) has the second-best odds. The Eagles have climbed up the odds board since the Giants opted not to place the franchise tag on him, as their odds to land Barkley were +3000 on March 4.

Barkley has proven to be one of the league's top running backs since the Giants selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in 2018. He had a stellar season in 2022, rushing for 1,312 yards on 4.4 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns to go along with 57 receptions for 338 yards.

But Barkley's 2023 season wasn't as prolific, as the Giants offense struggled, and he dealt with injuries. He still put up a solid season, rushing for 962 yards and six touchdowns on 3.9 yards per carry, adding 41 receptions for 280 yards and four touchdowns.

So, which team will the two-time Pro Bowl running back suit up for in 2024?

Philadelphia Eagles

"GM Howie Roseman doesn’t usually spend on running backs, but he’s not opposed to doing it for the right one," FOX Sports NFC East Report Ralph Vacchiano shared. "And according to a team source, he thinks Saquon Barkley could be the right one for the Eagles offense – a back who could thrive behind their strong line and be a force in the passing game, too."

"They are likely to make a bid, though they probably have their financial limits, especially considering how many quality running backs are currently on the market. They are hoping that the flooded market keeps Barkley’s price down. If it does, don’t be surprised if they swoop in."

As for the other teams?

Houston Texans

Barkley would be a nice addition to the Texans' roster if they want to build on the momentum from their surprise AFC South Division title and divisional-round playoff appearance.

Houston has a need at running back, too. Devin Singletary, who rushed for nearly 900 yards and four touchdowns last season, is set to hit free agency.

Meanwhile, Dameon Pierce struggled in his second season, rushing for fewer than three yards per carry.

Barkley's 41 receptions and four receiving touchdowns also would've been the fourth-best mark for the Texans last season, potentially giving C.J. Stroud another potent receiving weapon.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers already made a big splash this offseason by hiring Jim Harbaugh. Will they make another splash in free agency?

If they do, they might make it by adding a top running back. Harbaugh has shown his affinity for running the ball at each of his head coaching stops.

They're fourth on the board to land Barkley at +450.

Naturally, Barkley would help satisfy Harbaugh's desire to run the ball well and help the Chargers ground game. Austin Ekeler, who's set to hit free agency, rushed for 628 yards on a career-low 3.5 yards per carry this past season.

Are Giants making a mistake not tagging Saquon Barkley?

Dallas Cowboys

Similar to the Chargers, the Cowboys also face the possibility of losing their starting running back in free agency this offseason.

At +650 (shortened from +1000 in late February), could the Cowboys be a good spot for Saquon?

Tony Pollard will become a free agent after being franchise-tagged last offseason. There were questions about whether Pollard could serve as the true lead running back following the Cowboys' decision to release Ezekiel Elliott. While he rushed for 1,000 yards for a second straight season (1,005), Pollard wasn't as efficient, rushing for just four yards per carry after rushing for 5.2 yards per carry a year prior.

Barkley would likely get many opportunities to work as a pass-catcher as well. Pollard had 55 receptions last season, as Dak Prescott was statistically one of the game's best quarterbacks.

Where do you think Saquon Barkley will play next season? Follow FOX Sports for the latest news in the NFL and other sports.