NFL free agency 2023: Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs touted to land superstar RB

Patrick Mahomes sat out for most of the 2017 season, but when 2018 arrived, he was in full control. At the same time, running back Saquon Barkley started embracing the NFL way of life on the gridiron. While both players have had very different experiences over the last five seasons, the two superstars could be joining forces soon enough

In an article published in Sports Illustrated, NFL analyst Mike Fisher revealed (via Lester A. Wiltfrog) on Twitter that SportsBettingAG has placed the Chiefs in the top-four to land the superstar. Here's how he put it:

"According to the latest odds, the Bills join the Chicago Bears at the top of the list in terms of possible Saquon landing spots, with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs also theoretically in play for the 26-year-old superstar."

Will the Chiefs pull the trigger to get Saquon Barkley?

Most would agree that the addition of the running back may complete Mahomes' roster, which has admittedly already done more than enough in hoisting the Lombardi Trophy this season. However, one of the unproven spots on the roster has been at running back over the last decade.

Adding Barkley behind Mahomes would give him Travis Kelce and Juju Smith-Schuster out wide and a superstar to hand the ball off in sticky situations. The running back would also serve as a deadly dumpoff option for Mahomes.

Saquon Barkley gives Mahomes' Chiefs one reason to pause

Saquon Barkley at NFC Divisional Playoffs - New York Giants v Philadelphia Eagles

Barkley earned 1312 yards and ten touchdowns in 2022. He also had the first playoff experience of his career as the Giants reached the postseason for the first time since the Eli Manning era.

Looking back, of course, his injury history is the only blot on an otherwise slam-dunk move.

In 2020 and 2021, the running back earned less than 650 total rushing yards combined. However, he turned a corner in 2022 with stellar numbers. The future is likely to be bright and the question is whether the Chiefs want in.