According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the New York Giants are beginning to consider their options in the backfield, raising doubts about a potential reunion with running back Saquon Barkley. The Giants are reportedly still in the mix for a potential re-signing of Barkley but are also exploring other options, such as Tony Pollard and Austin Ekeler.

Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported that the Giants decided against applying the franchise tag to Barkley for a second consecutive season, partly due to the abundance of available options in the market. With free agents like Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, and D'Andre Swift available, the Giants are open to exploring lower-tier players who could provide a respectable level of performance at a more affordable price.

Raanan highlighted players like Zack Moss, Devin Singletary, and Alexander Mattison as potential fits for the Giants' backfield. The team reportedly values the position but does not see the value in investing $10 million in a running back, according to a source cited by Raanan.

This development not only raises doubts about the Giants' potential reunion with Barkley but also suggests that they may opt out of pursuing other established veterans. Instead, the Giants may be seeking a running back who can serve as a ready-made replacement for Barkley while staying within their desired budget.

While Barkley has been a key player for the Giants since being drafted in 2018, injuries have plagued him in recent seasons, raising concerns about his long-term durability. With the uncertainty surrounding Barkley's health and contract negotiations, the Giants are considering all their options to ensure a solid backfield presence for the upcoming season.

The Giants' search for a new running back comes at a crucial time for the team, as they aim to improve upon their performance from last season and compete in the highly competitive NFC East division. Finding a suitable replacement for Barkley will be a top priority as they look to strengthen their offensive arsenal.

As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see which direction the Giants ultimately take. Will they reunite with Barkley, or will they explore new options in Pollard, Ekeler, or other available veterans? Giants fans will eagerly await further updates on the team's backfield situation as training camp approaches.