Saquon Barkley is the top choice to join the Texans in free agency should he part ways with the Giants.

Rookie quarterback CJ Stroud’s dynamic plays played a crucial role in the Houston Texans clinching an AFC South crown, elevating the team’s prominence. As they gear up for the second year, the Texans are exploring opportunities to strengthen their roster around their star player.

In the event that Saquon Barkley decides to part ways with the New York Giants, the Texans are the favored destination (+400), according to betonline.ag. The Chicago Bears (+500) and Los Angeles Chargers (+600) rank second and third, respectively, with the New England Patriots (+700) and Baltimore Ravens (+900) rounding out the top five.

Barkley played the 2023 season with the Giants under the franchise tag, receiving a $2 million bonus and incentives. Despite the Giants’ 16th-highest league cap space of nearly $39 million, thanks in part to Daniel Jones’s significant contract, there are doubts about the team committing to a substantial deal for Barkley.

Should Barkley become available, the Texans emerge as a potential destination. The Texans utilized Devin Singletary and Dameon Pierce in 2023, with Singletary rushing for 898 yards and four touchdowns, and Pierce contributing 416 yards and two scores. Barkley, in comparison, recorded 962 rushing yards and four touchdowns over 14 games, complemented by 280 receiving yards and four scores.

With CJ Stroud leading the charge, the Texans aim to defend their AFC South crown. Adding Barkley to the roster would not only enhance Houston’s offensive prowess but also contribute to a more well-rounded and formidable team overall.