Ryan Leaf Believes Bolts Should Absolutely Target Pro Bowl Running Back

With the NFL off-season in full swing, the trade, draft, and free agency talk is a full-go. The Los Angeles Chargers have upgraded their coaching staff; now, they'll look to do the same on the player side of things. 

Although the Bolts aren't in an ideal space, money-wise, one of their former top draft picks, Ryan Leaf, believes they should still target NFC Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley is set to be a free agent once the new league year starts, and it could cost some money. However, Leaf told Bleav in Chargers that Barkley could be an excellent addition to the newly revamped Charger offense. 

"A guy that they're looking at is Saquon Barkley. Everybody jumped up and down around the idea of the cap situation. I get it. But if you talk to any general manager, you talk to anybody who's worked in the front office...cap issues...if you want to fix them, you fix it. You push it, you avoid years. You do whatever. You kick the can down the road to win a championship. So if they want to get their guy, and I think in Jim Harbaugh's offense, he would be incredibly valuable. It's going to cost more money unless you go get somebody like Blake Corum out of the draft, who is somebody he's very familiar with."

^{via Ryan Leaf, Bleav in Chargers}

At the moment, the Chargers' cap issues are what could hinder them from improving via the free agency market. The Bolts are $44 million over the cap. 

Now, if the Chargers can cut some players this off-season, they can get back on track. Now, these aren't just any players; they would have to be Khalil Mack, Eric Kendricks, and Mike Williams. They'll be tough decisions, but possibly decisions they might need to make.

This is only an option if the Chargers want to be aggressive in the free agency market. Michael Obermuller of Heavy.com predicts Barkley will sign a two-year deal worth $22 million, with $15 million guaranteed. 

The 27-year-old is coming off another healthy season but didn't produce superstar-like numbers. He finished the 2023 season with 962 rushing yards on 247 carries, six rush touchdowns, and an average of 3.9 yards per carry. The 2018 Offensive Rookie of The Year also was a threat in the passing game, racking up 280 yards on 41 receptions and scoring four touchdowns through the air. 

When healthy, Barkley is still a threat and among the best backs in the league. Will Jim Harbaugh and the crew look towards Barkley and Austin Ekeler, or decide to go young in the draft? We'll have to wait and see.