Brian Daboll issues his verdict on the four potential replacements for Giants 27-year-old running back…

February 12, 2024 247football-now new york giants 0

Four Potential Substitutes for Giants RB Saquon Barkley

Once again, New York Giants’ running back Saquon Barkley faces the prospect of becoming an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming offseason. Despite a commendable performance in the 2023 season, where the 27-year-old accumulated 1,242 all-purpose yards and scored 10 touchdowns, considerations regarding Barkley’s age, injury record, and the team’s reluctance to commit to a long-term, lucrative contract extension suggest that a parting of ways might be on the horizon.

In light of this, let’s explore four viable options that the Giants could consider to fill the gap left by Barkley.

Jonathon Brooks, Texas The most straightforward approach for the Giants to replace Barkley lies in the 2024 NFL Draft. While there might not be any standout first-round running backs, this absence of blue-chip prospects works in favor of the Giants. It allows them to potentially acquire a valuable selection without having to use a high draft pick on the position. Jonathon Brooks emerges as a promising candidate in this scenario. Despite sustaining an ACL injury in November, Brooks is widely regarded as the top running back prospect in the 2024 class. His tenure with the Longhorns saw him consistently deliver impressive performances, particularly in the 2023 season where he racked up 1,425 all-purpose yards and scored 11 touchdowns in just 10 games. With the Giants holding two picks in the second round, selecting Brooks would present a compelling option, especially if his injury causes his draft stock to slip.

Bucky Irving, Oregon Under the leadership of general manager Joe Schoen, the Giants have shown a strategic inclination towards enhancing the team’s speed on offense. Bucky Irving, a dynamic tailback from Oregon, aligns well with this vision. Despite concerns about his size, Irving’s prowess as a multi-dimensional threat on the field makes him an attractive prospect for the Giants. Irving’s breakout season with the Ducks in 2022, followed by an even more impressive showing in 2023, underscores his potential as a valuable addition to New York’s backfield. His ability to contribute both as a rusher and a pass-catcher adds versatility to the team’s offensive arsenal. Depending on his performance in the pre-draft assessments, Irving could be a targeted selection for the Giants, particularly if he becomes available beyond Day 2 of the draft.

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Audric Estime, Notre Dame Audric Estime offers a contrasting skill set compared to Irving but presents another intriguing option for the Giants. With a sturdy build and a penchant for power running, Estime embodies the archetype of a bruising, downhill ball carrier. Despite being less involved in the receiving aspect of the game, Estime’s proficiency as a rusher makes him a formidable presence on the field. Following an impressive 2022 campaign, Estime elevated his status as one of the top running backs in college football in 2023. His ability to consistently produce significant yardage and touchdowns underscores his value as a potential Day 2 selection in the draft. Given his strong ties to the New York area, Estime could offer not only on-field prowess but also a connection with the local fan base.

Zack Moss, Impending Free Agent If the Giants opt not to pursue Barkley’s services in free agency, investing heavily in the running back position might not be a prudent move. In such a scenario, Zack Moss emerges as an ideal candidate to bolster the team’s backfield. Despite a previous stint with the Buffalo Bills where he struggled to fit into Brian Daboll’s offensive system, Moss enjoyed a resurgence with the Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 season. Moss’s versatility as both a workhorse back and a rotational option provides valuable flexibility for the Giants’ roster. Moreover, signing Moss to a projected two-year, $7.5M deal wouldn’t preclude the team from addressing the position in the draft if necessary, thereby ensuring a balanced approach to roster construction.

In conclusion, as the Giants prepare for the offseason, evaluating these potential replacements for Saquon Barkley will be crucial in shaping the team’s future success on the field. Whether through the draft or free agency, finding a suitable successor capable of contributing effectively to the team’s offensive dynamics will be a top priority for the organization.

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