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

No. 2 running back the Giants should target for life without Saquon Barkley: Ezekiel Elliott

The Cowboys cut Ezekiel Elliott after watching his efficiency slip in 2022 while Tony Pollard emerged as a viable option to lead the ground game. That doesn’t mean he couldn’t be an effective starter for a team like the Giants.

Last season was the worst of his career and he still managed 876 yards and 12 touchdowns. In terms of finding a replacement for Barkley, one of the best backs in the league, the free agent market doesn’t have many better to offer.

Again, a willingness to take a deal at the market rate, which is lower than any of these backs would like, is the biggest barrier to seeing Elliott find a place in New York.

At the same time, the Giants can offer him an undisputed No. 1 starting role. There aren’t too many other teams out there with that ability given other figures on their roster.

Realistically, the way to stock the running back position these days is to hit on guys in the draft. So picking up Elliott on a two-year deal would give the Giants time to focus their energy in the draft while still starting a productive back in the short term.