There is no denying the talents of New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley. He is as versatile, explosive, and dynamic as any playmaker at the running back position in the NFL. However, Barkley is starting to get up there in age and doesn’t have a clear situation heading into the 2024 season.
Let’s take a closer look at how dynasty fantasy football managers of Barkley should assess his current situation.
Saquon Barkley’s Dynasty Outlook
When you take a look at Barkley’s body of work since he entered the league in 2018, he has certainly flashed his fantasy ceiling in multiple campaigns. Here’s a quick look at his season-long finishes in PPR formats throughout his career.
Saquon Barkley Positional Finishes in PPR Formats
2018: RB1
2019: RB10
2020: RB114
2021: RB30
2022: RB5
When you realize some of these fantasy campaigns came with an aging Eli Manning and a middling Daniel Jones in offenses that consistently finished below league averages in nearly every offensive category, you realize Barkley has been productive despite being featured in a struggling offense.
The two aspects of Barkley’s situation that make him a difficult dynasty asset to pinpoint right now are his age and contract with the Giants. Barkley is about to turn 27 years old in February and is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
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Those two factors complicate trade talks in dynasty leagues. Contending fantasy managers interested in acquiring Barkley are only guaranteed his current situation with a struggling Giants offense for the remainder of the 2023 season. This makes it hard for potential suitors to part ways with top assets to acquire Barkley.
Sure, Barkley would likely draw some serious interest on the open market if the two sides don’t get a deal done this offseason, but that still makes his situation a complete unknown for 2024 and beyond.
Current dynasty shareholders of Barkley, who are in the midst of a rebuild, also find themselves wanting RB1-type value back in return. But with all of the uncertainty about Barkley’s situation mentioned above, most offers feel like you’re getting enough to truly part ways with a man of his potential and high fantasy ceiling.
Should You Trade Saquon Barkley?
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Should You Trade Saquon Barkley for Jahmyr Gibbs?
Barkley is certainly a dynamic talent in his own right, but Detroit Lions rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs isn’t too far behind.
Barkley may be a more complete and top-flight prospect, but his situation is a complete unknown heading into next year. Meanwhile, Gibbs is locked and loaded in a productive Detroit offense for the next three years of his rookie deal with a fifth-year team option.
If you can get Gibbs for Barkley in a straight-up deal, I would hit accept in a heartbeat.
Should You Trade Barkley for De’Von Achane?
Miami Dolphins rookie RB De’Von Achane flashed league-winning type potential during a dominant three-game stretch earlier this season. However, he has had multiple injuries entering and during his rookie campaign, which doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence for Achane being a bell-cow feature back moving forward.
MORE: Dynasty Rookie Rankings 2024
However, his role in this high-powered Miami offense certainly makes him a valuable asset to a rebuilding team. If I am a contending team, I would slightly prefer Barkley, but if I’m rebuilding, then I would sell Barkley for Achane in a heartbeat.
Should You Trade Barkley for Josh Jacobs?
These two backs are in very similar situations. Both had contract disputes this offseason and are looking for their big payday at a position where it’s difficult to get that second contract in today’s NFL. Additionally, both are currently on below-average offenses.
In this scenario, I see Barkley having more interest in the free agent market this season. Not to mention, I truly believe he’s the better talent by a small margin at this point in their respective careers.
I would prefer to hold Barkley.
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