4. The Giants will likely franchise tag Saquon Barkley if they sign Daniel Jones
This isn’t what star running back Saquon Barkley is hoping for, but it looks like there’s a very good chance he could end up receiving the franchise tag this offseason. It seems as though the No. 1 priority for Schoen and the rest of the front office, as it should be, is to get things done with Danny Dimes first.
Whatever happens with Jones is going to play a major role in what ends up going down with Barkley. If the Giants end up inking Jones to a multi-year deal, then Barkley will get tagged. That’s the update Ian Rapoport had while over in Indy. Schoen said he’s also optimistic about re-signing Saquon, but if the tag makes the most sense, then he may have no choice but to go that route.
Report: The #Giants will franchise tag RB Saquon Barkley if they can reach a long-term deal with QB Daniel Jones before the deadline, according to @RapSheet
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 2, 2023
Rapoport adds about Jones: "Figuring out his price has been difficult, but they're working on it." pic.twitter.com/BSMFRvwtlZ
Barkley is coming off one of the best season of his career, as he topped 1,300 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Barkley returned to Pro Bowl form, earning that honor for the first time since his rookie season. He’s an easy guy to root for, as he has overcome so much adversity early on in his career. Fans want him back next season. That will probably happen, just not on a new contract.