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He New York Giants did not place the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley before Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline. The decision clears the way for the 27-year-old running back to test free agency.
had the Giants tagged with Barkley would have cost $12.1 million, but the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has long been seeking an extension to remain with the franchise.
Barkley signed a One-year contract worth $10.1 million in July. plus $900,000 in incentives after refusing to sign the franchise tag that was going to be worth a little less money. After seeing some of the contracts given to brokers the last few seasons, he hoped it would be his time to take advantage. On the other hand, the Giants opened his checkbook for Daniel Jonesgiving the quarterback a $160 million contract ($82 million guaranteed).
Last week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Giants general manager Joe Schoen said that using the franchise tag on Barkley was not “off the table” due to the increase in the NFL salary cap to 255.4 million dollars. However, what both parties were looking for was an extension.
“In a perfect world, we don’t want [use the franchise tag] “Again,” Schoen said. “But again, we’re going to have conversations, we’re going to discuss it, and I know he says he wants a fair deal.” And I appreciate it. “But we have to do what’s best for the franchise long-term and short-term and take all those things into account.”
Barkley rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns last season, while also catching 41 balls for 280 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games. He missed four games in 2023, causing his production to drop from the 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns of the 2022 season.
While he has expressed his desire to stay with the Giants on multiple occasions, he has also said that, although frustrating, he understands the business of football and that “loyalty means nothing“.
“I mentioned before that I wanted to be a Giant for life,” Barkley said in January. “That was one of my goals when I was selected. I wanted to leave a legacy here, but it’s out of my control. I really have nothing to say. It really depends on those guys upstairs. . . . Me sitting here saying I want to be a Giant for life like I did last year doesn’t help or hurt, so I’ll leave it to those guys.”
Barkley could join crowded running back market
The increase in the NFL salary cap by $30 million will cause teams to adjust their offseason strategies. The Giants could still bring back Barkley into the fold if he doesn’t like what he sees on the free agent market.
But if Barkley ends up leaving, Schoen will have the option to replace the two-time Pro Bowler and 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Among the runners expected to hit The open market includes Austin Ekeler, Henry Derrick, jose jacobs, Tony Pollard and D’André Swift.
The Giants went 6-11 last season in the NFC East and Schoen will have his work cut out for him if he wants to help guide the franchise back to the postseason.
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