With the hire of Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers have made the biggest splash of the “offseason” so far (even though it’s not quite the offseason yet).
Now, according to reports, the Bolts are looking to make another enormous splash.
Former NFL quarterback and Ex-Harbaugh teammate, Ryan Leaf, revealed on “Good Morning Football” that he believes New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is a top priority for Harbaugh when it comes to building his new team in Los Angeles.
“Austin Ekeler’s a big part of what it could be with them running the football, but I do think that Saquon Barkley’s going to be at the top of [Harbaugh]’s list, in terms of what he wants to do with the running back position with him being a free agent,” Leaf said.
Ryan Leaf says #Giants Saquon Barkley is at the top of #Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh’s list 👀
(h/t @gmfb)pic.twitter.com/RoIf3XZLnp
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 2, 2024
Barkley’s relationship with Big Blue turned sour last offseason as the two sides were unable to come to an agreement on a long-term deal.
Now, Barkley’s about to be a free agent and his future with the Giants is very much in doubt.
"Khakis, glasses of milk and physicality… That's what he does."
— @ColinCowherd on Jim Harbaugh's reported interest in Saquon Barkley pic.twitter.com/CLLFBqzQyx
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 5, 2024
However, financial constraints could be a significant hurdle for the Chargers.
With a cap space deficit exceeding $45 million, the team faces challenges in accommodating Barkley’s potential sizable contract demands.
It’s also important to note that Barkley has stated numerous times that his preference is to stay with the Giants.
“I want to be a Giant for life,” he said on ESPN yesterday.
“I want to be a Giant for life.” -Saquon Barkley pic.twitter.com/LTW0NacTva
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) February 5, 2024
Despite their disappointing 5-12 record this season, there’s no denying the Chargers are one of the most talented teams (on paper) in the entire league.
You have to imagine Harbaugh is going to bring out the best in quarterback Justin Herbert. It’s hard to not see the Chargers contending for a playoff spot immediately in 2024.
“It’s gonna be a team, think of a family,” Harbaugh said in a recent hype video. “There’s gonna be ignitors. There’s gonna be leaders by example. That’s mostly what I do. We’re gonna attack ‘em with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. And this is where I want to be, nowhere else.”
welcome home, coach pic.twitter.com/PNuVXpSbmk
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 29, 2024
Do you think Barkley would be a great fit with Harbaugh and the Chargers?
Is he the missing link in Los Angeles?
Or do you feel he’s an overrated running back who has too many miles on his tires???