The Texans are among the teams to watch on the running back front, and a they will have no shortage of options to choose from in free agency. Several accomplished producers at the position are on track to be available, and Houston could be well-positioned for a splashy addition. 
After ranking 22nd in the league in rushing (97 yards per game), improvement in that area is an obvious need. The Texans are flush with cap space, so they could benefit from the crop of available rushers set to reach the open market. Houston has been linked to a RB pursuit in general, but one notable name has emerged which would certainly represent a buzz-worthy move.
Saquon Barkley has “targeted the Texans as his top potential destination,” KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports. Barkley has also been in communication with reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, Wilson adds. The Giants made the unsurprising move of franchise-tagging Barkley last offseason, and doing so again is still on the table. Talks on a New York extension are ongoing as well, meaning the former No. 2 pick might not reach free agency.
In the event he did, however, Houston would represent an attractive destination. Stroud’s rookie campaign helped guide the team to the divisional round of the playoffs, and he is surrounded by a relatively young skill-position corps which would allow for a big-money investment on the market. With three 1,000-yard seasons to his name, Barkley would provide a dynamic element to the Texans’ ground game.
Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post confirms the expectation around the league is that general manager Nick Caserio will be a central player in the RB market this offseason. Caserio has a background with the Patriots, a team which has traditionally avoided making sizable investments in veteran backs. A shift in philosophy would thus come as a surprise, although an upgrade at the position would likely go a long way in ensuring the team can repeat its success on offense from 2023.
“What do I think is going to happen?” Caserio said (via Wilson) when speaking about a potential running back addition. “We’re all going to find out. Free agency, it’s what does the market tell you? And then any player, what are you willing to pay that player commensurate with their role?”
Barkley would be far from the only high-profile back the Texans could show interest in. Fellow 2023 franchise tag recipients Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard on set to reach free agency; the same is also true of Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler. Among the pending free agents at the position is Devin Singletary, who joined the Texans last offseason on a one-year, $2.75MM deal.
Wilson reports there is a mutual interest between team and player for a new Singletary pact to be worked out. Such a development (coupled with the continued presence of 2022 fourth-rounder Dameon Pierce) would likely lessen the chances of a Barkley pursuit. Still, it is notable the latter has his eyes on a Houston arrangement while his Giants future remains in flux.
resign singletary
draft a bruiser as a complement for short yardage and goal line situations
Hard to have a bidding war when there are so many good free-agent running backs available. He might be better off to take what the Giants offer (and I’m not a fan of that team)
The second tag would certainly be the best offer on the table.
I’d go for Pollard. A lot less mileage.
Pollard isn’t a starting RB. He proved that last season. I’d take Barkley all day
I think Pollard is a starting running back. I just don’t think he’s a full-blown bellcow like the Cowboys treated him last year. Very few guys are that these days. He should be the bigger part of a tandem, not seventh in the league in carries.
More yards than Barkley while being in a passing offense and no injury history. This isn’t fantasy football – you can have Barkley.
Barkley can’t play a full season. He’s proved that every season, less his rookie year.
Now this is a fit I could see making sense. I wouldn’t be thrilled to give big money to Barkley, but putting him in an offense that already functions well, has a decent offensive line, and wouldn’t ask him to be the main offensive weapon would be refreshing to see.
He and Henry are in similar points in their careers, profile wise. Either could be your starter, so long as you have a 1A to fill in the slack.
The Texans have full confidence in Stroud now so they will become even more of a passing team than they were last season. Barkley should be targeting playoff contenders that will be having a more run oriented offense. Baltimore and Buffalo are in the market for upgrades at the RB position.
Houston wasn’t just a playoff contender, it won the AFC South and beat Cleveland in the playoffs The same Cleveland team that had a (borderline) Coach of the Year and an undeserved Comeback Player of the Year.
Barkley plus another RB would give the Texans a double-barrel ground game.
Barkley will cost more than someone like Singletary who thrived in the offense last year.
Defense needs some reinforcements
Collins needs a new deal
Schultz needs a new deal or they need a new TE
Texans could stand to add another WR opposite Collins on the outside and let Dell operate underneath someone like Gabe Davis
Going into his 2nd year stroud should have his #1 in Collins, #2 in Dell, a reliable TE, and another receiver to take pressure off Collins and Dell. A premium rb would be nice but other needs at more prominent positions.
I’m not saying Barkley wouldn’t be a nice addition for the Texans but he would probably get more carries elsewhere because Houston knows (like everyone else) that Stroud will be the meal ticket.
Barkley is a very good receiver and a good pass blocker. Less carries, more catches and a more explosive option for Stroud (assuming Barkley can stay healthy).
I have to disagree with you. Having watched Barkley play these pass 6 seasons, I can say he’s a good runner, but since the acl tear he doesn’t fight for extra yardage anymore. Someone of his strength and size should be a bull in the running game, he’s just not anymore and goes down in a crowd to easy. He’s also lost that top end speed and even last year where he worked on his speed he can no longer run away from defenders. Yes he’s a great pass catcher out of the backfield but a good pass blocker he is not. Seen him whif, or pick up the wrong guy, or get bowled over by safeties to many times to count. This is an honest assessment from someone who likes Saquon, but has seen his skills diminish over the years.
You’ve probably seen him play more than me. I was basing his pass blocking off where he rated the 7th best pass blocking RB in the NFL.
link to foxsports.com
lol, so Buffalo had their best statistical output running the ball in many years. Cook had the most yards since LeSean McCoy. Cook made the Probowl and Buffalo is now going to spend its limited money on Barkley? lol. Do some research before you post.
I wasn’t aware Buffalo was in the market for an upgrade at running back….haha….obviously he doesn’t know to much about team needs or salary cap, hey bro, just trade him to Buffalo on your Madden game, let the big boys make the intelligent comments on the real football issues, Buffalo has their running back if you knew anything about it
The Bills were so desperate at RB that they signed Fournette but yeah, no upgrade at the position needed at all…lol.
Fournette was on the practice squad all season as injury insurance, elevated a couple times in the regular season to see what he had left. Expect a similar signing this year, a low dollar backup player
Upgrading the backup rb position can come with a lower level signing or a 3rd 4th round draft pick.
No need to pay top of market for guys. Ekeler is coming off a down year and could fit right into the offense cheaper.
Kareem Hunt could also be a cheaper option
Antonio Gibson lost his position to Brian Robinson but could fit into Buffalo as well
Same is true of Clyde Edward’s Hillaire lost his position to Pacheco but could fit into Buffalos offense.