Saquon Barkley Rumors: Eagles' Roseman Could 'Take a Swing' at RB in NFL Free Agency

There is reportedly some belief within the NFL that the Philadelphia Eagles could pursue star running back Saquon Barkley in free agency.

According to Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports, sources indicated that the Eagles "might take a swing" at the former New York Giants running back.

Vacchiano added that while the Eagles aren't expected to "go crazy" with their offer for Barkley, they could be an option for him if he doesn't get the types of contract offers he is expecting.

The New York Post's Ryan Dunleavy added Barkley and the Eagles have "mutual" interest ahead of free agency:

Even though Barkley is coming off two consecutive productive seasons, the Giants opted against placing the franchise tag on him, thus making him a free agent.

Originally selected No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL draft out of Penn State, Barkley burst onto the scene as a rookie, racking up 2,028 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns en route to being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Barkley's numbers paled in comparison over the next three seasons due largely to injuries, as he missed a total of 21 games over that span.

The arrival of head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka helped revitalize Barkley's career, though, as he enjoyed his best season since his rookie year in 2022.

Barkley was named a Pro Bowler for the second time after rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards to go along with 10 rushing touchdowns and 57 receptions for 338 yards.

The Giants took a significant step back as a team last season, missing the playoffs after surprisingly making the postseason in 2022.

Barkley's numbers suffered as a result, but he still managed to score 10 total touchdowns and rush for 962 yards despite missing three games.

The Philadelphia offense has been a dream for running backs in recent years, and there is little doubt that Barkley could put up huge numbers behind the Eagles' top-flight offensive line.

In 2022, Miles Sanders rushed for 1,269 yards for the Eagles and earned himself a nice free-agent payday from the Carolina Panthers. Last season, D'Andre Swift stepped in and led the team with 1,049 rushing yards.

Swift is also a free agent, and Vacchiano noted that the Eagles would "ideally" like to bring him back for the right price.

Running backs typically don't land huge contracts in free agency anymore, but given that Barkley is still just 27 years of age and may have some untapped potential to unlock in a better offense, he figures to be the most highly sought-after running back on the market.

That could result in the Eagles getting priced out, but the thought of an Eagles offense headlined by Barkley, quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert could be tough for general manager Howie Roseman to turn down if the opportunity presents itself.