A few weeks ago, I wrote an article explaining why I didn’t think Saquon Barkley would finish the season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Well, looking at everything that’s happened since, I’m feeling pretty good about that prediction!
Philadelphia’s season has completely fallen apart. Jalen Hurts is likely done for the season, Lane Johnson has retired, the Eagles traded away starting center Cam Jurgens, and the losses just keep piling up. And that’s without even mentioning Barkley’s hamstring injury!
The Eagles went from being a team with championship expectations to one surrounded by uncertainty. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the rumors surrounding Barkley’s future are beginning to heat up.
Now, I’m not saying Philadelphia will definitely trade him. But considering the direction this season is heading, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Eagles decide to move on and get something in return.
So, where could Saquon end up? I’ve got three teams in mind.
1. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are my first potential destination, and there’s one obvious reason why. Their running game needs help!
Seattle currently ranks 18th in the NFL in rushing offense, averaging just 107.2 yards per game. That’s not good enough for a team with serious playoff ambitions.
The Seahawks have offensive weapons capable of making life difficult for opposing defenses, but their inability to consistently establish the run has been a problem. That’s where Barkley comes in.
Even if he isn’t the same player who rushed for an incredible 2,005 yards, he still has the ability to make defenders miss, break off big runs, and contribute in the passing game. Adding someone like Saquon would give Seattle another dimension offensively and take pressure off its passing attack.
Imagine having to worry about Barkley in the backfield while also trying to contain Seattle’s receivers! I think this would be a fantastic addition for a team looking to make a serious playoff push.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Now, before anybody says it, I know Aaron Jones has been playing well! Jones is averaging 4.2 yards per carry this season, which is a solid number.
But here’s what catches my attention. His longest run of the season is just 20 yards. That tells me Minnesota could benefit from adding another explosive presence in the backfield.
Jones remains a productive running back, but Barkley brings a different level of big-play potential. And I’m not suggesting the Vikings would need to get rid of Jones. Why not have both?
A backfield featuring Aaron Jones and Saquon Barkley would give Minnesota plenty of options. They could rotate carries, keep both players fresh, and make opposing defenses prepare for two dangerous running backs.
Barkley would also give the Vikings another weapon capable of turning a routine play into a massive gain. For a team looking to compete in a difficult NFC, adding that kind of talent could make a real difference.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
This one might seem a little strange. After all, Cincinnati already has Chase Brown, and I think he’s a good running back.
But here’s the problem. The Bengals haven’t been able to run the football!
Cincinnati ranks 26th in the NFL in rushing offense, averaging just 82.8 yards per game. That’s terrible! When you’ve got Joe Burrow throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, your offense shouldn’t have to rely almost entirely on the passing game.
Opposing defenses know Cincinnati wants to throw the football, and that makes their jobs a lot easier. Adding Barkley could change that. Suddenly, defenses would have another legitimate threat to worry about. They couldn’t simply focus on stopping Burrow and his receivers.
And just like Minnesota, Cincinnati wouldn’t necessarily have to move on from its current running back. Brown and Barkley could complement each other and give the Bengals more flexibility.
Would this be an expensive move? Absolutely. But if Cincinnati believes it can compete for a championship, adding an established running back might be worth considering.
Saquon Barkley Still Has Plenty Left to Offer
Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not expecting Saquon Barkley to rush for another 2,005 yards. That was an extraordinary season, and expecting him to repeat it would be ridiculous.
But just because he might not be the same player doesn’t mean he suddenly isn’t good anymore! Barkley remains one of the better running backs in the NFL. He’s explosive, versatile, and capable of changing a game with one play.
Yes, his hamstring injury is something teams will need to consider, and Philadelphia would have to receive an offer worth accepting. But I believe all three teams I’ve mentioned could benefit from having him.
Seattle needs more consistency and explosiveness in its running game. Minnesota could pair him with Aaron Jones to create a dangerous backfield. And Cincinnati desperately needs to find a way to take some pressure off Joe Burrow.
If I had to choose one destination, I’d go with Seattle. The Seahawks have the kind of team that could benefit immediately from a player like Barkley, especially if they’re serious about making a deep playoff run.
Whether the Eagles actually pull the trigger remains to be seen. But considering how quickly things have fallen apart in Philadelphia, I wouldn’t rule anything out!
What do you think? Should the Eagles trade Saquon Barkley? And which team would be the best fit for him? Let me know in the comments!
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