We’ve almost reached the deadline for NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen to make the decision we’ve all been waiting for: place Daniel Jones on the non-exclusive franchise tag or not. It feels like there’s a 50-50 chance the two sides will be able to figure out a long-term deal, and you know Saquon Barkley is watching everything closely.
There had been hope that the G-Men would be able to give Barkley a multi-year deal too, but it looks like No. 26 and Schoen can’t get on the same page either. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, if the Giants do re-sign Jones, then Barkley will be back too – on the franchise tag.
NY Giants are hoping to franchise tag Saquon Barkley this offseason
If this ends up working out, then the tag would bring Barkley home $10.1 million for next campaign, which is a lot less than what he’s hoping for. Per multiple reports, the Giants offered Barkley around $12 million a season during the bye week, but the star running back declined that offer.
This offseason, the belief is that Barkley has been eyeing $14-15 million a year in his next deal, but the Giants aren’t willing to go that high. This could all lead to Barkley getting tagged, but that depends on whether or not Jones puts the pen to paper on a mega-deal before 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 7.
If he does, then Barkley will get tagged and be with the Giants in 2023. If Jones doesn’t, then the non-exclusive franchise tag will be used for Danny Dimes and then Barkley will likely be on his way to free agency, open to sign with any team he wants.
With the Giants meeting with Texas RB Bijan Robinson at the NFL Combine, it sure looks like Schoen has thought of a plan B or two for the backfield. However, Barkley has been the heart and soul of this team for years and fans want him to come back. By Tuesday afternoon, we’ll have a better idea of what’s to come for the Pro Bowler.
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