NFL

‘Serious’ suitors emerge for Giants’ Saquon Barkley ahead of NFL free agency

Saquon Barkley’s free-agency market is starting to come into focus.

The Chargers, Ravens and Bears are “believed to be serious suitors” for the Giants’ star running back, according to ESPN.

The Bears instead signed D’Andre Swift, who had one stellar season with the Eagles after three years with the Lions.

The Cowboys and Eagles are believed to be peripheral suitors since signs are they may not be willing to meet Barkley’s price, per the report.

Saquon Barkley may have played his last game with the Giants. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The Houston Texans, the betting favorites to land Saquon and The Post’s prediction for Barkley’s next team, are described as having “rumored interest.”

While the Giants are interested in re-signing Barkley, this list of six suitors — including four playoff teams — shows that Barkley may be continuing his career outside of East Rutherford.

The expectation is Barkley will sign a deal worth roughly $10 million per year, according to ESPN.

The Chargers are expected to employ a run-first scheme under new coach Jim Harbaugh, who brought former 49ers and Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman with him to Los Angeles.

Roman is known for his rushing schemes, and Barkley could slide into the dual-threat role formerly filled by free agent Austin Ekeler.

The Ravens aired it out more this past season under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken but are a running team at their core, especially with Lamar Jackson leading the team.

New Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Baltimore has relied on backs like Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and the often-injured J.K. Dobbins over the past few years, and Barkley would be the best back that team has employed in years.

Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Getty Images

The Eagles and Cowboys provide Barkley with the opportunity to compete for division and conference championships, but Barkley could ruin his goodwill in New York by signing with a divisional rival.

There are questions about how much the Eagles are willing to spend at the position, and the Cowboys just recently got out from a long-term running back contract with Ezekiel Elliott.

C.J. Stroud could pair with Saquon Barkley. Getty Images

The Texans seem like a strong landing spot since there is little competition — Dameon Pierce faded in his sophomore season — and he would join an ascending team ready to take the next step.

Providing NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud a weapon like Barkley would only help the former Ohio State quarterback in his sophomore season.