Former Penn State running backs set to hit NFL free agency
With the NFL season concluding on Sunday, two of Penn State’s most recognizable pro’s are set to hit free agency this offseason.
Running backs Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders will be on the open market when the new league year begins and there is a legitimate chance that either or both guys wear a different uniform next season.
Both will be looking to get paid after turning in impressive campaigns where they ran for over 1,200 yards.
Here is the outlook for both Barkley and Sanders.
Saquon Barkley
There isn’t much convincing needed for why the New York Giants would be smart to bring back Saquon Barkley.
The former Penn State standout had the best statistical season of his career and the most touches following his ACL tear in 2020 while playing a large role in getting the Giants back to the playoffs.
His high usage and durability during the season was a major asset to Brian Daboll’s offense while undoubtedly aiding Daniel Jones’ development.
Barkley finished the season with 1,312 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns while finishing as a Comeback Player of the Year finalist.
When it comes to the market for Barkley, he will look to be paid as one of the league’s elite running backs which means he could be looking for a deal in the $15 million per year range. But due to his injury history and the Giants need to resign pending free agents, they may not be able to meet that price.
At age 26, it should be expected that Barkley is offered something comparable to what Alvin Kamara received prior to the 2020 season when he was 25. Five years, $75 million is a reasonable starting point for agent Kim Miale of Roc Nation.
With his production and leadership presence within that locker room, it would be a real surprise if Joe Schoen didn’t make a serious push to bring back Barkley especially given where the Giants are in their progression as an offense and organization as a whole.
Miles Sanders
Like Barkley, Sanders had his best year in 2022, posting career highs in both rushing yards (1,269) and touchdowns (11).
His impressive season helped get the Eagles back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2017 while playing a large role in one of the most prolific rushing attacks in football.
After completing his fourth season in the NFL, Sanders is set to become an unrestricted free agent and should definitely be looking to get paid following his 2022 production.
The main question will be if that is with the Eagles or not as Philadelphia has a number of decisions to make with their personnel following their NFC championship.
With a number of key players entering free agency in Philly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Sanders outside of Howie Roseman’s plans as the running back position hasn’t been an area in which the organization generally has given big money to in the past.
Plus, with Kenny Gainwell and Boston Scott on cheap deals, it would make sense for the Eagles to secure some other players in positions of value such as CJ Gardner-Johnson, James Bradberry, Javon Hargrave and even a potential extension for Jalen Hurts.
Sanders will likely be seeking a deal similar to what Joe Mixon and Aaron Jones have gotten over the past couple years, coming out to around a $12 million per year cap hit.
While that is a number many teams in the league will be willing to pay, it feels as if Sanders will have a change of scenery this offseason as that is a deal Philadelphia doesn’t typically dish out.
Other Nittany Lions set to hit free agency:
Below is a list of other Nittany Lions set to hit free agency including the type of free agent they will be and their last team.
S Marcus Allen (UFA - Pittsburgh Steelers)
S Adrian Amos (UFA - Green Bay Packers)
TE Mike Gesicki (UFA - Miami Dolphins)
DT Kevin Givens (RFA - San Francisco 49ers)
K Robbie Gould (UFA - San Francisco 49ers)
DB Grant Haley (UFA - Los Angeles Rams)
TE Jesse James (UFA - Cleveland Browns)
OC Connor McGovern (UFA - Dallas Cowboys)
QB Trace McSorley (UFA - Arizona Cardinals)
DE Carl Nassib (UFA - Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
DB Amani Oruwariye (UFA - Detroit Lions)
S Nick Scott (UFA - Los Angeles Rams)
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