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4 moves the NY Giants should focus on with increased 2023 NFL salary cap

By Zak Musso

Oct 23, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel jones (8) and running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrate a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel jones (8) and running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrate a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs onto the field before a wild card game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs onto the field before a wild card game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Bring back Saquon Barkley on the franchise tag

Should an NFL team give a running back a long-term contract? Recent history tells us that answer to that question is an emphatic no. Saquon Barkley is not just any running back, though. The Giants star is a three-down running back, who has speed, explosion, and power. Barkley’s value to Big Blue is larger than just what he produces on the field: he is both the face and voice of the New York Football Giants.

The G-Men need to make smart business decisions and it’s unclear whether paying Barkley fits into that category. Barkley has played just two full NFL seasons, which raises questions about his true value. The answer to the Giants Barkley dilemma is easy: franchise tag him and see how 2023 goes.

The running back franchise tag for 2023 is just over $10 million. This is something Barkley probably wouldn’t like playing on, but if he and the two sides can’t come to an agreement on an extension, what else can NY do?

This seems like a very obvious decision for the Giants. Barkley is a tremendous talent, and when healthy, there is a legit argument to be made that he is the best running back in the NFL. If Barkley proves to the Giants in 2023 that he can stay healthy and play another full season at an elite level, he will be rewarded with an extension next offseason. If he wants that money now, then he’s going to have to lower his asking price.

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