ESPN analyst says Saquon Barkley to Texans would be ‘a slam dunk’

The Houston Texans continue to be named as a destination for impending free-agent running back Saquon Barkley.

ESPN analyst and former NFL linebacker Bart Scott said Wednesday that Barkley joining the Texans would be “a slam dunk” because of the team’s offensive line and salary cap situation with quarterback C.J. Stroud early in his rookie contract.

“I think Saquon to Houston is a slam dunk,” Scott said. “Everything that you can do to support a young quarterback – environment matters.”

.@BartScott57 says Saquon Barkley to the Texans is a “slam dunk” pic.twitter.com/Zwr4LoX5Eq

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 21, 2024

This isn’t the first time the Texans have been linked to Barkley. Pro Football Focus named the Texans as an ideal landing spot for Barkley and oddsmakers gave Houston the second-highest next-team odds to land him.

It’s become more apparent with free agency drawing closer, too, that the New York Giants won’t give Barkley the franchise tag for a second consecutive season. He very well could re-sign with the Giants, but other teams could interest him more if Barkley hits the open market.

Houston’s running game could be one of the biggest points of emphasis for the team this offseason. Head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke about it at his end-of-season press conference and the team doesn’t have a clear-cut running back between impending free agent Devin Singletary and third-year Dameon Pierce.

Barkley could be the answer, and he’d give the Texans another level on offense. Stroud proved he could excel with the current weapons at his disposal, and wideouts Nico Collins and Tank Dell were a solid pass-catching duo. Houston has the salary cap space to pay Barkley what he’s worth, too.