The New York Giants had a disappointing 2023 season and now have a similar decision to make as they did last offseason with running back Saquon Barkley. He signed the $10.091 million non-exclusive franchise tag last season and can be tagged once again for the 2024 season. However, he would receive a 120% salary increase if tagged for a second time and have a $12.109 million contract.
Barkley has already discussed the potential of being tagged once again last month and said he wants to get it over with if they are going to be placing the tag and not wait until the deadline on March 5.
“(The Giants) did it last year. So I’m numb to it. I don’t have any feelings towards 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.”
Saquon Barkley has been the most significant player on this New York Giants team and had a good season as he finished with 247 carries for 962 yards (3.9 yards per attempt) with six rushing touchdowns as well as 41 receptions for 280 yards (6.8 yards per catch) with four receiving touchdowns. With the running back position not being as important to teams nowadays, it will be interesting to see how the Giants address Barkley’s contract situation.
Should the New York Giants franchise tag Saquon Barkley?
The immediate answer is yes because this offense looked dreadful at times with Barkley in it, now imagine how they’d look without him. It is going to be difficult to put a long-term deal in front of a 27-year-old running back but he is the star of the team and has not done anything wrong.
Something front offices do not take into consideration is the impact in the locker room that a player brings and Saquon Barkley seems to be a great locker room presence. For a little more than $12 million, this seems to be the better option. It gives the Giants another season to assess their situation and see if they are able to compete or potentially move away from both quarterback Daniel Jones and Barkley after next season.
The move seems to be to franchise tag him for the 2024 season and go from there. The team continues to have their star offensive player and makes him prove it for another year before actually deciding to pay the second pick from the 2018 NFL draft.
For more of my content, make sure to follow me on Twitter @TalkVinTalk. I am also part of Total Apex Sports, where we are doing daily content on YouTube, discussing fantasy and betting that you can watch by clicking here.
