Saquon Barkley played for a contract last year and got hit with the franchise tag. He’s determined to get as much money as he can, and with another big and healthy season, he should get a large contract, whether from the Giants or another team in NFL Free Agency. His dynasty future is a tad murky as he enters his age-26 season, but Barkley is proving to many that age doesn’t define how great you are. His 2023 season might just be better than his Pro Bowl 2022 season.
2022 Season Recap
Barkley had a fantastic 2022 season. He played in 16 games, the most since 2018, his rookie year. He had numerous career highs in rushing attempts (295), yards (1,312), attempts per game (18.4), and touches (352). Barkley also was used plenty in the passing game, with 57 catches on 76 targets for 338 yards in Coach Daboll’s offense. The Giants know how to get the most out of Barkley. Daniel Jones loves using him as a safety valve to throw to. Those are easy fantasy points. Barkley only had ten touchdowns, all on the ground, but expect him to get a couple through the air in 2023.
The Giants used him a ton, as he was the third-highest in opportunity share (80.1%). Barkley had the third-most route participation, fifth in yards created, and third in expected fantasy points per game. All around, Barkley had a strong 2022 season in his big comeback from the torn ACL he suffered in 2020.
2023 Season Projections
The Giants project to throw a lot more in 2023 due to the acquisitions of Darren Waller, Parris Campbell, and Jalin Hyatt. Those three provide more ability as pass-catchers than Jones, and the Giants had last year. This will lead to a decrease in rushing attempts for Barkley. However, his passing usage should stay roughly the same, as the Giants didn’t add any competition beyond Eric Gray to the running back. Coach Daboll knows he has to get the ball into Barkley’s hands. That will be accomplished.
Hence, I have Barkley pretty much matching his 2022 numbers in passing, aside from getting a bit deeper on routes. I think he adds a yard or two to his receiving output per catch. The touchdowns rise as the Giants find themselves closer to the goal line more often. And he gets back to his usual rate of catching two touchdown passes a season. Barkley is an elite RB1 in dynasty this year.
Long-Term Dynasty Outlook
Barkley has a murky future; there’s no clear sense of whether he will be with the Giants long-term. They failed to reach an agreement, which means a likely franchise tag is coming his way. The Giants provide him the best shot at maintaining his elite RB1 status. They know how to use him, have a solid game plan/offensive line/coaching staff, and Barkley is comfortable there. There’s always the risk of a running back going for the money and to a new team and winding up like Le’Veon Bell. Barkley is still worth at least a mid-first. While he is now in the age-26 season, Barkley has a lot less wear on his knees. Plus, he isn’t the only option on his team anymore.
If you’re contending, you can easily pay that price for an RB1 for the next two years. Use him up like the Giants, and then let him go. There’s no reason not to have Barkley on your dynasty team if you want to win right now. If he gets used enough, he’s in the top five and has a case to be the RB1. While you should worry about his future, that’s something to worry about in a year or two. The Giants won’t let him go. They will tag him and probably repeat the process from the summer.
Do you want to become the best dynasty player you can be? Be sure to use my promo code “Darth” for 15% OFF your subscription to Dynasty Nerds! It makes it only three dollars or so! Connect with me on Twitter @DarthDbacks. I love to talk football, baseball, movies, shows, Star Wars, and Marvel, and interact with the fantasy football community. For more articles of mine, click here.
As always, May the Force be with You…
