star player wants to sign with the Texans, led by quarterback. Will Houston give the Giants free agent $36 million?

Saquon Barkley wants to sign with the Texans, led by C.J. Stroud. Will Houston give the free agent from the New York Giants $36 million?

The Houston Texans are suddenly a “landing spot,” which is fantastic news, as Saquon Barkley is apparently “targeting” Houston as his future home as we approach NFL free agency.

Colleague Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston is reporting that the star player for the New York Giants is focusing on the Texans as his “top potential destination,” citing league sources.

Beyond that interesting fact and his developing friendship with Texans “recruiting coordinator” C.J. Stroud, however, there is another part of the tale that, should it all come to be, demands attention.

Are any of the other elite free agents who are set to become available, including Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler, Derrick Henry, and Saquon, “worth” $12 million APY?

That is the astute prediction being made by many, with Pro Football Focus speculating that Barkley will soon sign a three-year contract worth approximately $36.8 million.

Do the Texans have enough cap space to make such a move? Indeed, according to colleague “TexansCap,” who delves into the specifics, Houston may have a staggering $70 million in cap room.
Does Barkley deserve a substantial portion of that cap? Does anyone have a running back?

We have maintained that when Barkley is healthy and plays well, he can challenge Christian McCaffrey of San Francisco for the title of top running back in the NFL. Naturally, no one can control the “if-healthy” portion of the equation, and he has had difficulty with the New York Giants in that regard.

The 27-year-old Barkley was selected with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He may be the “final piece” missing from a championship puzzle for the Texans, who surprised everyone by winning their division and making the playoffs in 2023.

“What is this player’s associated cost?” Speaking generally about Houston’s strategy, General Manager Nick Caserio stated this week. Thus, this is the true essence of free agency.

And we’re going to find out if Saquon Barkley is the focus of Texans free agency or not.