The Ravens are among the ‘serious suitors’ for Saquon Barkley, with free agency’s “legal tampering” window opening today at noon. The Ravens are reportedly interested in acquiring a top running back.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan claimed on Sunday that the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, and Chicago Bears are “believed to be serious suitors” for running back Saquon Barkley.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are also believed to be interested, but “aren’t expected to reach Barkley’s price point,” and the Houston Texans may be as well. According to rumors, the projected price per season is around $10 million.
Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs are considered the top three options in a stacked free agent running back class.
Last season, Barkley rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns while also passing for 41 yards and four more touchdowns.
“If he was in San Francisco, he would be Christian McCaffrey,” said one pro personnel director to Raanan. “He hasn’t had an offensive line, ever, in New York.”
There’s also a chance Barkley returns to the New York Giants, who, according to Raanan, may be more interested in bringing him back if the Eagles or Cowboys try to snag their talented running back.
“If Barkley gets offered more money elsewhere from a team that is ready to compete, he’s likely gone,” Raanan said in a statement. “And the Giants appear unwilling to stop him. It’s only an issue of how much another team is willing to spend.
Pundits’ Reaction to Ravens Signing Justin Madubuike to Contract Extension
The Ravens announced on Friday evening that they have struck an agreement with defensive lineman Justin Madubuike to extend his contract for another four years. Pundits reacted to the big signing days before the start of free agency.
According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, “[Friday’s] news was, by far, the best-case scenario for the Ravens as they accelerate another crucial offseason.” According to a team source engaged in the negotiations, general manager Eric DeCosta began the process by reaching a verbal agreement with Madubuike on a four-year, $98 million contract extension that includes $75.5 million in total guarantees.
**ESPN’s** Jamison Hensley: “Madubuike had one of the best recent seasons by an interior defensive lineman, recording 11.5 of his 13 sacks while lining up on the interior of the defensive line. That is the fourth most by an inside defensive lineman since NFL Next Gen Stats began tracking this statistic in 2016.
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