Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles
Both money and timing are talked about here. Philadelphia ensured that Barkley would become one of the highest-paid running backs in the league by luring him away from the Giants on a contract worth $37.75 million over three seasons, including $26 million guaranteed. Locking him up right away, rather than waiting to see what the running back market does, also shows that Barkley was a priority for the Eagles. Oh, and Philadelphia waved goodbye on Monday to top in-house back D'Andre Swift, who joined the Bears.
When you put all this together, it seems like Barkley will find himself in an attack that is completely different from the Giants' offense and features a great offensive line. It's true that the Eagles' lineup may take a step back with the retirement of star center Jason Kelce, and New York made a move to improve that on Monday. Additionally, Barkley could be robbed of a touchdown by serial pusher Jalen Hurts. His mobility prevents him from dumping the ball to running backs as often as many other quarterbacks. Add to that the fact that Barkley is at a dangerous age for a running back at 27 years old and has had his fair share of injuries.
So don't get carried away thinking Barkley's star power and exciting new situation will put him back at the top of the phantom draft list. But he seems locked into the top 10 at his current position, solidifying himself as a mid-second-round pick with all kinds of upside at worst.
We just watched the big Changing of the Guard ceremony in Green Bay. release Parting ways with stalwart Aaron Jones and fellow running back AJ Dillon have been expected for weeks. Jacobs joins. Jacobs took a big step down from his impressive 2022 season last season, but now joins a team that is on the rise.
Even though Jacobs' reported contract (four years and $48 million total) is one of those crazy money deals where he'll never receive its full amount, he's getting paid a lot of money this year. There is no doubt about it. And his new environment, featuring quarterback Jordan Love, a group of talented young wide receivers, and coach Matt LaFleur's sharp offensive thinking, gives Jacobs a chance for double-digit touchdowns. We are confident that it will.
Gus Edwards, RB, Chargers
Did someone say “touchdown”? When Edwards landed in Los Angeles, he was able to use his bulk to get into the end zone on a regular basis. The former Ravens returner, who scored 13 points last season, was apparently highly recommended by Baltimore coach John Harbaugh to his brother, new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Meanwhile, the former Michigan coach added Austin Ekeler to his coaching staff. Edwards may not get many of the passing targets left by Ekeler and may end up competing for touches in the draft, but Edwards can run, run, and try and run some more. Let's.
Yes, it's safe to be intrigued by Kyle Pitts again. Atlanta's tight end just lost a major headache with the transfer of Jonnu Smith. dolphins, his team appears to have greatly benefited from an offseason overhaul. The latest good news for Pitts came on Monday when the Falcons acquired Kirk Cousins, as well as wide receiver Drake Rondon and running back Bijan Robinson. Comparisons to Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota, Atlanta's leading passers over the past two seasons, overstate how much progress the former Vikings quarterback has made, finishing third last season in better-than-expected completion percentage. It's difficult to do.
Gone are former Falcons coach Arthur Smith and his frustrating, decidedly fantasy-unfriendly preferences when it comes to player usage and schemes. He was replaced by former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who made sure to bring in an offensive coordinator steeped in Sean McVay's proven system (Zach Robinson). With Robinson setting up plays and Cousins at the helm, Atlanta should be able to pass the ball more often and efficiently, giving everyone up front a better chance of hitting targets.
