3 running backs the Giants should target for life without Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley is in danger of holding out in 2023. These three running backs could help the Giants live without their star rusher.

The chances of Saquon Barkley sitting out games in 2023 appear greater than ever after Monday’s deadline for franchise tag players to sign an extension passed.

The Giants reportedly extended an offer that met Barkley’s desire for guaranteed money but reduced the yearly average value for the deal as well. So it doesn’t feel like the team and the player are on the same page about much at this point.

Now New York has a dilemma on their hands: Do they risk Barkley holding out? Or do they get proactive and lock in an alternative?

Here are some options if they decide to move on…

No. 3 running back the Giants should target for life without Saquon Barkley: Kareem Hunt

There are a bunch of free agent running backs out there looking for new homes. Kareem Hunt is one of the better ones, or more accurately, he could be.

Hunt exploded for 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie with the Chiefs but he’s never been able to recreate those numbers. He had 824 yards in 2018, then missed significant time to injuries once he moved to Cleveland.

As Nick Chubb’s backup during the 2021 season, Hunt rushed for just 386 yards, but delivered 4.9 yards per carry. His campaign was shortened by injury. However, he managed just 3.8 yards per carry in 2022 in 17 games.

So his most recent output wasn’t great, but there may still be juice left in the tank.

The fact that Hunt hasn’t signed somewhere yet suggests he, like most of the other high profile backs out there, aren’t getting the contract offers they’d hope for.