Saquon Barkley’s representation apparently doesn’t want the star running back to go to the Cleveland Browns, who own the No. 1 and No. 4 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, Barkley shot down their suggestion of demanding the Browns not to draft him.

As it turns out, Barkley is eager to take on the challenge of going to Cleveland and becoming the Browns’ LeBron James, as his longtime friend Kayla Cunningham told ESPN’s Ian O’Connor.

“He told me, ‘If I can be LeBron James in Cleveland and turn that program around and win the Super Bowl, it would be the best thing I've done in my life,'” Cunningham said. “Who thinks like that? Nobody wants to go to the Browns, and here he is saying, ‘I want a statue. I want to be that image for Cleveland.'”

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Browns News
One mystery player in the middle, Jerry Jeudy and Myles Garrett around him, Cleveland Browns logo in the background
Rising Cleveland Browns rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsEnzo Flojo ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) participates in position drills during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility
Browns’ Shedeur Sanders surprised by Joe Flacco’s admission during OTAsAlex House ·
Tommy Rees speaks to reporters during his introductory news conference as Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator.
New Browns OC makes declaration on heated QB competitionJaren Kawada ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws during NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Shedeur Sanders doesn’t get any 1st-team reps at OTAsMike Gianakos ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
NFL rumors: Falcons insider picks Browns Kirk Cousins trade idea over SteelersZachary Weinberger ·
Featured image Deion Sanders Shedeur Sanders
Deion Sanders ‘hurt’ by negative Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ draft perceptionDylan Fine ·

With two picks in the top five, Barkley’s got a decent chance of going to the Browns. Although, odds are the Browns will likely take a quarterback at No. 1, which would open the door for the Giants to take him at No. 2.

But even if Barkley does end up landing in Cleveland, he’ll have his work cut out for him in terms of turning the long-suffering franchise around. As good a running back as he could potentially be, his overall impact on the team’s success will still be somewhat limited compared to LeBron.

Still, his comments are indicative of his ambition and his self-belief that he has his sights set on emulating what James did with the Cavs. As to whether he’ll actually get the chance to be the LeBron of the Browns, the draft is just a few days away so he won’t have to wait much longer to find out.