The Giants will bring in a veteran backup to supplement Saquon Barkley. They agreed to terms with Devontae Booker on Monday night, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets.
A former Broncos draftee, Booker spent last season with the Raiders and enjoyed a productive season spelling Josh Jacobs. Booker agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $6MM, Fowler notes. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets that the deal includes $2MM guaranteed.
This marks an upgrade for Booker, who could only fetch a one-year deal worth barely league-minimum money last year. After receiving just two carries in 16 games with the 2019 Broncos, Booker took 93 handoffs and rushed for 423 yards and three touchdowns with the Raiders last season. While the former fourth-round pick worked as Denver’s primary back down the stretch in 2016, replacing an injured C.J. Anderson, he has mostly been a backup as a pro.
Barkley continues to work his way back from the ACL tear he suffered in Week 2. The star back is progressing on course and should be ready for Big Blue’s training camp. The Giants have used a few players as Barkley complementary help over his three-year career, and backfield depth became critical last season. Wayne Gallman, Alfred Morris and Devonta Freeman handled the ball-carrying duties after Barkley’s injury. None are under contract with the team for 2021, putting Booker in position to hold New York’s RB2 role.
Booker really played a lot better in Las Vegas than he did in Denver. Not as in “the team was better” but as in “he himself looked like a better player.” Hopefully for New York they will see that continue. Booker is good at the little things-pass protection and special teams-and is a hard worker, so if he continues his improvement as a runner, this will be a good signing.
Would have rather resigned Gallman.
Agreed.
Booker smells like another Jonathan Stewart signing by ole Getty.
Yes 423 is “productive” #WhatAJOKE.