The Green Bay Packers have the NFL's worst running game but will get reinforcements soon, with Josh Jacobs officially off the Commissioner's Exempt List. He's eligible to practice and play against the Detroit Lions in Week 7. His imminent return gives the offense an immediate boost, though it doesn't make a potential dream target like the Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley any less tempting.
Even with Jacobs back in the fold, the Packers could still add further help in their backfield at the trade deadline. If that's the route they take, there may be several enticing options, but the best of the bunch will likely be Barkley if the reeling Eagles make him available.
This begs the question: would it make sense to make a push for Barkley? ESPN's Ben Solak seems to believe the Packers make at least some sense as a destination for the three-time Pro Bowler, but it wouldn't come cheap.
Packers would have to pay a premium if the Eagles trade Saquon Barkley
Solak came up with a handful of trade ideas ahead of the November 10 deadline and suggested the Eagles send Saquon Barkley to a contender, namely the Houston Texans. Green Bay (plus the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks) "came to mind" as a possible landing spot, too.
Houston sent a 2027 third-round pick, a 2027 sixth-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and second-year running back Woody Marks in Solak's hypothetical scenario. That's a steep price to pay, albeit for an undeniably talented playmaker who's proven capable of single-handedly elevating an offense. It's fair to wonder whether the Packers justify making that kind of investment in the position.
Make no mistake, Barkley is one of the best in the business, racking up a jaw-dropping 3,327 rushing yards on 661 carries in just 37 games since joining the Eagles in 2024. Before that, he toted the rock 1,201 times for 5,211 yards with 35 touchdowns during his sixth-year stint with the New York Giants.
Although he's 29, Barkley still has ample gas left in the tank and could turbocharge the Green Bay backfield. That said, it may not be feasible to trade for him.
Why the Packers may not want to mortgage their future for Saquon Barkley
The Philadelphia Eagles drew up Saquon Barkley's contract in a way that he gets most of his money in bonuses. His base salary in 2026 is $1.3 million, and Green Bay would only take on the remaining $794,444 if they traded for him at the deadline. From a cap perspective, acquiring the former Penn State Nittany Lion would be a bargain. However, the Packers may not be inclined to give up premium draft capital for him.
And that's another thing: the Green Bay already has a pretty good running back in Jacobs. Sure, Barkley would be an upgrade, but giving up three future selections for him is too much, especially when you take into account that the Packers could use them to bolster several position groups in 2027, including but not limited to the defensive and offensive lines and the cornerback group. Heck, they could add depth at running back next offseason.
Maybe if Jacobs wasn't rejoining the lineup, it would make more sense to make a push for Barkley. But with the former back in the mix, the latter would be more of a luxury than a necessity.
Without a doubt, Barkley could help several teams if the Eagles traded him, but the Packers probably aren't one of them.
Add us as a preferred source on Google