The New York Giants are considering using the franchise tag to retain two-time Pro Bowler Saquon Barkley, with General Manager Joe Schoen expressing the team's desire to keep the star running back. Despite recent reports suggesting otherwise, Barkley's future with the Giants remains uncertain, but Schoen emphasized that the team is open to various options to secure Barkley's services, including the franchise tag. Schoen pointed out the NFL's increased salary cap as a factor that could facilitate keeping Barkley and stressed the running back's significant value to the team, highlighting his instrumental role in the Giants' success during the 2022 season.

By the Numbers
  • The NFL's salary cap for the upcoming season has been set at $255.4 million, marking a $30.6 million increase from 2023.
  • Saquon Barkley was signed by the Giants to a one-year, $10,091,000 contract with $2 million guaranteed, but his projected market value is currently estimated at $29.93 million over three years, equating to an average annual salary of $9.98 million, according to Spotrac.
State of Play
  • The New York Giants are considering using the franchise tag to retain Saquon Barkley.
  • General Manager Joe Schoen expressed the team's desire to keep Barkley and highlighted his significant value to the team.
  • Schoen emphasized that the team is open to various options to secure Barkley's services, including the franchise tag.
  • The NFL's increased salary cap has been cited as a factor that could facilitate keeping Barkley.
Bottom Line

The New York Giants are exploring all options to retain the valuable services of Saquon Barkley, including the possibility of using the franchise tag, as General Manager Joe Schoen emphasizes the running back's importance to the team's success.