The New York Giants and Denver Broncos have both been linked to potential running back upgrades ahead of the NFL trade deadline. But hopes of either team acquiring Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley appear to be over: the latest report indicates he will not be traded before the deadline.
The deadline is Nov. 10, giving teams limited time to address roster needs before the second half of the 2026 season. Both the Giants and Broncos have reasons to consider adding help in the backfield as they pursue playoff and division ambitions. Barkley, however, is not expected to be available.
## Giants and Broncos could use a running back upgrade
Heading into Week 8, the Giants have emerged as one of the season’s biggest surprises. New York is 4-2-1 and leads the NFC East, putting itself in a strong position to contend for a playoff spot.
The Broncos are also among the leading teams in the AFC West. They sit half a game behind the Kansas City Chiefs before the division rivals meet on Sunday. With the race still close, an upgrade before the trade deadline could help Denver strengthen its position.
Both teams have been connected to possible running back moves. Barkley would be an obvious high-profile target: He is a three-time Pro Bowler and a former MVP finalist, and he has the kind of résumé that could make him attractive to a team seeking an immediate boost.
For the Giants, a trade would carry additional meaning. New York selected Barkley with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, but he left the franchise in 2024. Bringing him back would give the team a chance to reunite with a player who became one of its most recognizable stars.
Denver’s appeal is different. A player of Barkley’s caliber could add a Pro Bowl-level presence to the Broncos’ backfield. The team has not had that kind of running back distinction since the eras of Clinton Portis and Terrell Davis at the start of the century. If Denver is aiming to make a serious run this season, Barkley might look like the type of player who could help complete its roster.
## Why Barkley is expected to stay in Philadelphia
Despite the potential fit, Barkley is not expected to move before the Nov. 10 deadline. That is a significant setback for both the Giants and Broncos, whose hopes of landing the star would depend on Philadelphia being willing to trade him.
The Eagles are 2-5 and appear headed toward a rare losing season. Even so, the team still has strong pieces on its roster, including players it may want to build around in 2027. A difficult season does not necessarily mean Philadelphia will part with one of its most important players.
If the Eagles do make moves before the deadline, they could look to add draft assets and reshape the roster for next season. But that approach would not automatically include trading Barkley. Keeping the three-time Pro Bowler would give Philadelphia a proven player to remain part of the team’s plans.
For the Giants, that means a return for Barkley is not currently expected. For Denver, it means looking elsewhere if the team wants to strengthen its running back group before the deadline. Both clubs may still have time to pursue other options, but the most prominent name linked to them appears to be off the market.
Barkley’s reported status also reflects the Eagles’ position: despite their record, the team may prefer to retain key players and retool around them rather than make a major move involving its star running back. Unless that stance changes, neither the Giants nor the Broncos should plan on adding Barkley to its roster before the deadline.
