The Giants’ general manager expressed interest in retaining Saquon Barkley, stating, “He’s a player we’d like to retain” in discussions regarding Barkley’s contract.
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen expressed his interest in retaining running back Saquon Barkley, stating that Barkley is “a player we’d like to retain” ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Schoen indicated the possibility of using the franchise tag on the two-time Pro Bowler, which contrasts with earlier reports.
In a recent conversation with Giants G.M. Joe Schoen, he expressed his pleasant surprise regarding the cap increase to $255.4 million, having initially anticipated $243 million. He did not dismiss the option of employing the franchise tag on RB Saquon Barkley, stating, “I have a high regard for Saquon and believe he still has the ability to perform.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that while it is “unlikely” for the Giants to tag Barkley, they could engage in negotiations for his return under different terms.
There’s a discernible difference between the desire to retain Barkley on the team and the willingness of the front office to meet his contract demands.
Last offseason, the Giants utilized the franchise tag on the 27-year-old, seemingly concluding negotiations. Schoen mentioned in March 2023 that the team “stepped back” after implementing the tag. Given Barkley’s slight decline in production, a similar approach might be expected again.
Joe Schoen conveyed the Giants’ continued openness to retaining Saquon Barkley, albeit at a firm price that Barkley did not favor a year ago.
The 6’0″, 232-pound running back accumulated 962 rushing yards and six touchdowns while averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Additionally, he recorded 41 receptions for 280 yards and four touchdowns. His 1,242 scrimmage yards marked his second-lowest in a season where he was predominantly active.
Barkley’s decline underscores the Giants’ reluctance to offer him a long-term deal last offseason. Now, his bargaining power may diminish further.
Schefter reported that Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders) and Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys), similar to Barkley, will not receive the franchise tag from their teams for a second consecutive season. They join a free-agent market that includes Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, and D’Andre Swift.
The availability of numerous established players at the position concurrently is likely to diminish everyone’s negotiation leverage.
For the Giants, securing Barkley on a team-friendly contract may not prove overly challenging.
