NFL Rumors: Insiders Feel Saquon Barkley Has Best Chance of RBs to Get $10M+ Contract

In a 2024 free agency class that ESPN's Bill Barnwell described as "loaded" with running backs, which player is most likely to earn a double-digit average annual value on their next contract?

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, New York Giants star and pending free agent Saquon Barkley is the most likely candidate to earn an AAV of at least $10 million on his next deal.

However, Graziano noted that "it could be rough out there again" for a players known for being underpaid relative to pass-forward positions.

Barkley rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games in 2023. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, he dealt with "lingering effects" from a Week 2 ankle sprain throughout the season.

The two-time Pro Bowler is less than a year from his last contract holdout, which ended after he agreed to a one-year deal with the Giants in July.

Barkley was originally given a $10.09 million franchise tag, but eventually agreed to a deal worth up to $11 million with incentives.

The Athletic's Dan Duggan wrote Saturday that there is a "realistic possibility" the Giants use another franchise tag on Barkley, although ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Monday prior that the team is "unlikely to tag him."

The franchise tag would be worth $12.1 million in 2024, the lowest sum for any position outside kickers and punters.

Barkley's chances of making more than that franchise tag amount could be hurt by a crowded positional market. Other running backs expected to hit free agency this month include the Tennessee Titan's Derrick Henry, Las Vegas Raiders' Josh Jacobs and Los Angeles Chargers' Austin Ekeler.