The New York Giants is not going to place the franchise tag on working again Saquon Barkley, permitting him to check the free agent waters for the primary time in his profession.
Barkley is predicted to turn into one of many high gamers obtainable when the brand new league 12 months begins on March 13.
The #Giants aren’t franchise tagging RB Saquon Barkley once more, supply stated. He’ll be one of many high free brokers in an excellent RB class. pic.twitter.com/AL4YHkO4Bp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2024
Giants normal supervisor Joe Schoen stated earlier this offseason that he’d wish to keep away from utilizing the franchise tag for the second consecutive season however left the door open to tag Barkley forward of the NFL mix. Nonetheless, after assembly with Barkley’s representatives, the staff opted to take a distinct path.
Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Submit stories:
It appears the understanding was to let Barkley check the market and discover out his true worth after a comparatively small hole on the Giants’ finest provide of $23 million assured couldn’t be closed over the 69 weeks because the first provides had been exchanged.
Schoen advised reporters on the mix that the worth he positioned Barkley final season stays the identical.
“I believe the world of Saquon and I nonetheless suppose he can play. So, my worth for Saquon actually hasn’t modified. Sadly, all through the method, beginning again in November of 2022, we weren’t in a position to come to an settlement by way of the place we each thought a deal made sense,” Schoen stated.
The Giants and Barkley negotiated intensely final 12 months however couldn’t bridge the hole over a remaining $1 million to $2 million, finally leading to a short holdout. Barkley later signed a modified model of the franchise tag however failed to achieve any of the added incentives.
