Joe Schoen isn't doing Saquon Barkley any favors with new franchise tag update

In the next few weeks, we'll find out if NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley will return to East Rutherford or suit up for a different team in 2024. First, the expectation was that Barkley wouldn't be placed on the franchise tag, but now Joe Schoen is singing a different tune.

While speaking to the media at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Schoen said it's still a possibility for Barkley to get tagged for the second consecutive year because of the cap being raised to $255.4 million for next campaign. You think Barkley is happy about this? Absolutely not.

Joe Schoen can't place the franchise tag again on Saquon Barkley

While it still seems unlikely that the Giants go this route, Barkley has voiced his displeasure more than once on being tagged last year and not putting the pen to paper on a new deal. This offseason, the hope is that the two sides can meet in the middle on something, but who knows what will happen. What we do know is that Barkley does NOT want to be tagged - he wants to be paid like one of the top RBs in the game.

"They did it last year, so I’m numb to it. I don’t have any feelings toward that at all. If you’re gonna do it, just don’t wait until March 5. Just get it over with. If not, let me go. Simple."

- Barkley earlier this offseason

Barkley provided the statement above shortly after the 2023 regular season came to a close. The 'just get it over with' stands out. Barkley doesn't want to wait until the last second to find out if he'll be tagged, sign a new contract or be allowed to meet with new teams in free agency.

Now that Schoen has essentially put the tag back on the table, can you imagine if the Giants GM waits until the deadline on March 5 to make this decision? Barkley would be furious - even more angry than he was in '23. Schoen needs to make a call and get this over with. The longer the tag hangs over Barkley's head, the more drama that will be on the way for the G-Men.