The New York Giants are unlikely to use the franchise tag on RB Saquon Barkley, according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
Teams can use the franchise tag on pending free agents for a two-week span that lasts from today until March 5th.
Barkley’s tag would be valued at around $12 million for 2024. Since he was tagged last year, he is guaranteed at least 120 percent of last year’s salary.
However, Schwartz says it feels like there’s little appetite in the Giants’ building for a second tag, and it’s more likely Barkley gets the chance to test free agency after an underwhelming 2023 season.
Barkley, 27, was the second-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was entering the fourth year of a four-year, $31.19 million rookie deal with the Giants that included a $20.767 million signing bonus when the Giants picked up his fifth-year option.
Barkley’s fifth-year option cost the Giants $7.22 million fully guaranteed for the 2022 season. He was set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2023 when he was franchised at a sum of $10.09 million fully guaranteed.
In 2023, Barkley appeared in 14 games for the Giants and rushed for 962 yards on 247 attempts with six rushing touchdowns to go along with 41 receptions on 60 targets for 280 yards receiving and four touchdowns.
We have him included in our Top 100 – 2024 NFL Free Agents list.
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It really does NOT MATTER what happens with GMEN RB Saqueen Barkley.
The GMEN with 8 new position coaches and more GMEN roster turnover through FA, the NFL DRAFT and UDFA, plus another tough 2024 schedule equates to the GMEN picking Top 5-10 in 2025.
I see GMEN GM Trader Joe Schoen and HC Buffet Daboll being axed at the end of 2024.
And GMEN Owner John Mara bringing his good ‘ole buddy HC Bill Belichick back home to the GMEN in 2025.