EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants won’t use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley for a second straight yr, sources instructed ESPN Tuesday, leaving the operating again free to check his worth as a free agent.
The franchise tag would have been price $12.1 million.
The transfer units in movement a possible departure from New York, the place Barkley has stated he would like to stay his whole profession to create a legacy and have a post-playing profession on par with the likes of Eli Manning and Michael Strahan. The Giants now appear prone to lose their finest offensive ability participant, an enormous threat contemplating their lack of All Professional-type gamers on the roster.
Regardless, Barkley needed to keep away from a second straight franchise tag. It might have meant taking part in out the 4 years of his rookie deal, a fifth-year choice and two years on the franchise tag with out ever turning into a real free agent.
The Giants had been adamant that Barkley was not accessible at this previous season’s commerce deadline. Normal supervisor Joe Schoen then described the tag as “a software we now have at our disposal” at his end-of-year information convention.
It left open the potential for one other go-around.
“They did it final yr. I am numb to it,” Barkley stated of the franchise tag after the season. “I actually haven’t any emotions in direction of that in any respect.”
Now, free company is lastly on the horizon after six seasons with the group that drafted him No. 2 general out of Penn State in 2018. The Giants had a dropping file in 5 of these six years.
When the concept Barkley was on the verge of hitting free company was introduced to a supply near the operating again just lately, it was met with little greater than eyeball emojis.
That is what they needed. It no less than offers Barkley selections and can decide the two-time Professional Bowler’s worth. There will likely be no extra what-ifs.
None of this utterly guidelines out a return to the Giants. The probably state of affairs for Barkley to return is that free company does not show to be as fruitful as he expects and the Giants determine to match a suggestion (probably below $10 million per season).
“They do not see the worth in paying a operating again $10 million,” one supply who spoke with the Giants final week stated.
Barkley, 27, turned down a last deal final offseason that sources have stated provided near $23 million assured. He made $10.1 million final yr on an adjusted franchise tag and something over $13 million assured in a brand new contract will finally be to his monetary profit, by way of assured cash and years.
The one drawback is the operating again market has been depressed in recent times. It is onerous for gamers on the place to receives a commission, particularly after the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs gained a Tremendous Bowl for the second straight yr with a seventh-round choose as their lead operating again.
An NFL basic supervisor predicted to ESPN that Barkley would get within the $8 million-per-year vary on a brand new contract in a troublesome offseason without cost brokers. One other thought it might be nearer to $10 million per season. That was the overall feeling from near a dozen executives, scouts and brokers with expertise in operating again negotiations.
Just one agent instructed the $12-14 million vary per season based mostly on Barkley’s identify worth and the projection of what he might do on a greater group with a extra competent supporting forged. That may be extra in keeping with the $24-25 million assured {that a} supply near the state of affairs believes would have gotten a deal completed with the Giants final yr.
This yr the free agent operating again class is loaded. It already has the likes of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard. That’s going to make this tough for Barkley.
“I imply, there’s some good names there. … It is slightly little bit of a saturated market,” Schoen stated final week on the NFL scouting mix.
Nevertheless it’s greater than that for the Giants. This transfer — and Barkley’s probably exit — has extra to do with the worth of the place than the rest. Particularly contemplating Barkley is 27 years previous with an harm historical past and rushed for below 1,000 yards this previous season.
When Schoen was requested instantly final week about whether or not the Barkley negotiations had been extra about operating again market worth or what he does for the group, the overall supervisor did not hesitate.
“Operating again market worth,” he stated.
And the $12.1 million franchise tag is predicted to be above market worth.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants won’t use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley for a second straight yr, sources instructed ESPN Tuesday, leaving the operating again free to check his worth as a free agent.
The franchise tag would have been price $12.1 million.
The transfer units in movement a possible departure from New York, the place Barkley has stated he would like to stay his whole profession to create a legacy and have a post-playing profession on par with the likes of Eli Manning and Michael Strahan. The Giants now appear prone to lose their finest offensive ability participant, an enormous threat contemplating their lack of All Professional-type gamers on the roster.
Regardless, Barkley needed to keep away from a second straight franchise tag. It might have meant taking part in out the 4 years of his rookie deal, a fifth-year choice and two years on the franchise tag with out ever turning into a real free agent.
The Giants had been adamant that Barkley was not accessible at this previous season’s commerce deadline. Normal supervisor Joe Schoen then described the tag as “a software we now have at our disposal” at his end-of-year information convention.
It left open the potential for one other go-around.
“They did it final yr. I am numb to it,” Barkley stated of the franchise tag after the season. “I actually haven’t any emotions in direction of that in any respect.”
Now, free company is lastly on the horizon after six seasons with the group that drafted him No. 2 general out of Penn State in 2018. The Giants had a dropping file in 5 of these six years.
When the concept Barkley was on the verge of hitting free company was introduced to a supply near the operating again just lately, it was met with little greater than eyeball emojis.
That is what they needed. It no less than offers Barkley selections and can decide the two-time Professional Bowler’s worth. There will likely be no extra what-ifs.
None of this utterly guidelines out a return to the Giants. The probably state of affairs for Barkley to return is that free company does not show to be as fruitful as he expects and the Giants determine to match a suggestion (probably below $10 million per season).
“They do not see the worth in paying a operating again $10 million,” one supply who spoke with the Giants final week stated.
Barkley, 27, turned down a last deal final offseason that sources have stated provided near $23 million assured. He made $10.1 million final yr on an adjusted franchise tag and something over $13 million assured in a brand new contract will finally be to his monetary profit, by way of assured cash and years.
The one drawback is the operating again market has been depressed in recent times. It is onerous for gamers on the place to receives a commission, particularly after the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs gained a Tremendous Bowl for the second straight yr with a seventh-round choose as their lead operating again.
An NFL basic supervisor predicted to ESPN that Barkley would get within the $8 million-per-year vary on a brand new contract in a troublesome offseason without cost brokers. One other thought it might be nearer to $10 million per season. That was the overall feeling from near a dozen executives, scouts and brokers with expertise in operating again negotiations.
Just one agent instructed the $12-14 million vary per season based mostly on Barkley’s identify worth and the projection of what he might do on a greater group with a extra competent supporting forged. That may be extra in keeping with the $24-25 million assured {that a} supply near the state of affairs believes would have gotten a deal completed with the Giants final yr.
This yr the free agent operating again class is loaded. It already has the likes of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard. That’s going to make this tough for Barkley.
“I imply, there’s some good names there. … It is slightly little bit of a saturated market,” Schoen stated final week on the NFL scouting mix.
Nevertheless it’s greater than that for the Giants. This transfer — and Barkley’s probably exit — has extra to do with the worth of the place than the rest. Particularly contemplating Barkley is 27 years previous with an harm historical past and rushed for below 1,000 yards this previous season.
When Schoen was requested instantly final week about whether or not the Barkley negotiations had been extra about operating again market worth or what he does for the group, the overall supervisor did not hesitate.
“Operating again market worth,” he stated.
And the $12.1 million franchise tag is predicted to be above market worth.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants won’t use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley for a second straight yr, sources instructed ESPN Tuesday, leaving the operating again free to check his worth as a free agent.
The franchise tag would have been price $12.1 million.
The transfer units in movement a possible departure from New York, the place Barkley has stated he would like to stay his whole profession to create a legacy and have a post-playing profession on par with the likes of Eli Manning and Michael Strahan. The Giants now appear prone to lose their finest offensive ability participant, an enormous threat contemplating their lack of All Professional-type gamers on the roster.
Regardless, Barkley needed to keep away from a second straight franchise tag. It might have meant taking part in out the 4 years of his rookie deal, a fifth-year choice and two years on the franchise tag with out ever turning into a real free agent.
The Giants had been adamant that Barkley was not accessible at this previous season’s commerce deadline. Normal supervisor Joe Schoen then described the tag as “a software we now have at our disposal” at his end-of-year information convention.
It left open the potential for one other go-around.
“They did it final yr. I am numb to it,” Barkley stated of the franchise tag after the season. “I actually haven’t any emotions in direction of that in any respect.”
Now, free company is lastly on the horizon after six seasons with the group that drafted him No. 2 general out of Penn State in 2018. The Giants had a dropping file in 5 of these six years.
When the concept Barkley was on the verge of hitting free company was introduced to a supply near the operating again just lately, it was met with little greater than eyeball emojis.
That is what they needed. It no less than offers Barkley selections and can decide the two-time Professional Bowler’s worth. There will likely be no extra what-ifs.
None of this utterly guidelines out a return to the Giants. The probably state of affairs for Barkley to return is that free company does not show to be as fruitful as he expects and the Giants determine to match a suggestion (probably below $10 million per season).
“They do not see the worth in paying a operating again $10 million,” one supply who spoke with the Giants final week stated.
Barkley, 27, turned down a last deal final offseason that sources have stated provided near $23 million assured. He made $10.1 million final yr on an adjusted franchise tag and something over $13 million assured in a brand new contract will finally be to his monetary profit, by way of assured cash and years.
The one drawback is the operating again market has been depressed in recent times. It is onerous for gamers on the place to receives a commission, particularly after the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs gained a Tremendous Bowl for the second straight yr with a seventh-round choose as their lead operating again.
An NFL basic supervisor predicted to ESPN that Barkley would get within the $8 million-per-year vary on a brand new contract in a troublesome offseason without cost brokers. One other thought it might be nearer to $10 million per season. That was the overall feeling from near a dozen executives, scouts and brokers with expertise in operating again negotiations.
Just one agent instructed the $12-14 million vary per season based mostly on Barkley’s identify worth and the projection of what he might do on a greater group with a extra competent supporting forged. That may be extra in keeping with the $24-25 million assured {that a} supply near the state of affairs believes would have gotten a deal completed with the Giants final yr.
This yr the free agent operating again class is loaded. It already has the likes of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard. That’s going to make this tough for Barkley.
“I imply, there’s some good names there. … It is slightly little bit of a saturated market,” Schoen stated final week on the NFL scouting mix.
Nevertheless it’s greater than that for the Giants. This transfer — and Barkley’s probably exit — has extra to do with the worth of the place than the rest. Particularly contemplating Barkley is 27 years previous with an harm historical past and rushed for below 1,000 yards this previous season.
When Schoen was requested instantly final week about whether or not the Barkley negotiations had been extra about operating again market worth or what he does for the group, the overall supervisor did not hesitate.
“Operating again market worth,” he stated.
And the $12.1 million franchise tag is predicted to be above market worth.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants won’t use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley for a second straight yr, sources instructed ESPN Tuesday, leaving the operating again free to check his worth as a free agent.
The franchise tag would have been price $12.1 million.
The transfer units in movement a possible departure from New York, the place Barkley has stated he would like to stay his whole profession to create a legacy and have a post-playing profession on par with the likes of Eli Manning and Michael Strahan. The Giants now appear prone to lose their finest offensive ability participant, an enormous threat contemplating their lack of All Professional-type gamers on the roster.
Regardless, Barkley needed to keep away from a second straight franchise tag. It might have meant taking part in out the 4 years of his rookie deal, a fifth-year choice and two years on the franchise tag with out ever turning into a real free agent.
The Giants had been adamant that Barkley was not accessible at this previous season’s commerce deadline. Normal supervisor Joe Schoen then described the tag as “a software we now have at our disposal” at his end-of-year information convention.
It left open the potential for one other go-around.
“They did it final yr. I am numb to it,” Barkley stated of the franchise tag after the season. “I actually haven’t any emotions in direction of that in any respect.”
Now, free company is lastly on the horizon after six seasons with the group that drafted him No. 2 general out of Penn State in 2018. The Giants had a dropping file in 5 of these six years.
When the concept Barkley was on the verge of hitting free company was introduced to a supply near the operating again just lately, it was met with little greater than eyeball emojis.
That is what they needed. It no less than offers Barkley selections and can decide the two-time Professional Bowler’s worth. There will likely be no extra what-ifs.
None of this utterly guidelines out a return to the Giants. The probably state of affairs for Barkley to return is that free company does not show to be as fruitful as he expects and the Giants determine to match a suggestion (probably below $10 million per season).
“They do not see the worth in paying a operating again $10 million,” one supply who spoke with the Giants final week stated.
Barkley, 27, turned down a last deal final offseason that sources have stated provided near $23 million assured. He made $10.1 million final yr on an adjusted franchise tag and something over $13 million assured in a brand new contract will finally be to his monetary profit, by way of assured cash and years.
The one drawback is the operating again market has been depressed in recent times. It is onerous for gamers on the place to receives a commission, particularly after the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs gained a Tremendous Bowl for the second straight yr with a seventh-round choose as their lead operating again.
An NFL basic supervisor predicted to ESPN that Barkley would get within the $8 million-per-year vary on a brand new contract in a troublesome offseason without cost brokers. One other thought it might be nearer to $10 million per season. That was the overall feeling from near a dozen executives, scouts and brokers with expertise in operating again negotiations.
Just one agent instructed the $12-14 million vary per season based mostly on Barkley’s identify worth and the projection of what he might do on a greater group with a extra competent supporting forged. That may be extra in keeping with the $24-25 million assured {that a} supply near the state of affairs believes would have gotten a deal completed with the Giants final yr.
This yr the free agent operating again class is loaded. It already has the likes of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard. That’s going to make this tough for Barkley.
“I imply, there’s some good names there. … It is slightly little bit of a saturated market,” Schoen stated final week on the NFL scouting mix.
Nevertheless it’s greater than that for the Giants. This transfer — and Barkley’s probably exit — has extra to do with the worth of the place than the rest. Particularly contemplating Barkley is 27 years previous with an harm historical past and rushed for below 1,000 yards this previous season.
When Schoen was requested instantly final week about whether or not the Barkley negotiations had been extra about operating again market worth or what he does for the group, the overall supervisor did not hesitate.
“Operating again market worth,” he stated.
And the $12.1 million franchise tag is predicted to be above market worth.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants won’t use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley for a second straight yr, sources instructed ESPN Tuesday, leaving the operating again free to check his worth as a free agent.
The franchise tag would have been price $12.1 million.
The transfer units in movement a possible departure from New York, the place Barkley has stated he would like to stay his whole profession to create a legacy and have a post-playing profession on par with the likes of Eli Manning and Michael Strahan. The Giants now appear prone to lose their finest offensive ability participant, an enormous threat contemplating their lack of All Professional-type gamers on the roster.
Regardless, Barkley needed to keep away from a second straight franchise tag. It might have meant taking part in out the 4 years of his rookie deal, a fifth-year choice and two years on the franchise tag with out ever turning into a real free agent.
The Giants had been adamant that Barkley was not accessible at this previous season’s commerce deadline. Normal supervisor Joe Schoen then described the tag as “a software we now have at our disposal” at his end-of-year information convention.
It left open the potential for one other go-around.
“They did it final yr. I am numb to it,” Barkley stated of the franchise tag after the season. “I actually haven’t any emotions in direction of that in any respect.”
Now, free company is lastly on the horizon after six seasons with the group that drafted him No. 2 general out of Penn State in 2018. The Giants had a dropping file in 5 of these six years.
When the concept Barkley was on the verge of hitting free company was introduced to a supply near the operating again just lately, it was met with little greater than eyeball emojis.
That is what they needed. It no less than offers Barkley selections and can decide the two-time Professional Bowler’s worth. There will likely be no extra what-ifs.
None of this utterly guidelines out a return to the Giants. The probably state of affairs for Barkley to return is that free company does not show to be as fruitful as he expects and the Giants determine to match a suggestion (probably below $10 million per season).
“They do not see the worth in paying a operating again $10 million,” one supply who spoke with the Giants final week stated.
Barkley, 27, turned down a last deal final offseason that sources have stated provided near $23 million assured. He made $10.1 million final yr on an adjusted franchise tag and something over $13 million assured in a brand new contract will finally be to his monetary profit, by way of assured cash and years.
The one drawback is the operating again market has been depressed in recent times. It is onerous for gamers on the place to receives a commission, particularly after the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs gained a Tremendous Bowl for the second straight yr with a seventh-round choose as their lead operating again.
An NFL basic supervisor predicted to ESPN that Barkley would get within the $8 million-per-year vary on a brand new contract in a troublesome offseason without cost brokers. One other thought it might be nearer to $10 million per season. That was the overall feeling from near a dozen executives, scouts and brokers with expertise in operating again negotiations.
Just one agent instructed the $12-14 million vary per season based mostly on Barkley’s identify worth and the projection of what he might do on a greater group with a extra competent supporting forged. That may be extra in keeping with the $24-25 million assured {that a} supply near the state of affairs believes would have gotten a deal completed with the Giants final yr.
This yr the free agent operating again class is loaded. It already has the likes of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard. That’s going to make this tough for Barkley.
“I imply, there’s some good names there. … It is slightly little bit of a saturated market,” Schoen stated final week on the NFL scouting mix.
Nevertheless it’s greater than that for the Giants. This transfer — and Barkley’s probably exit — has extra to do with the worth of the place than the rest. Particularly contemplating Barkley is 27 years previous with an harm historical past and rushed for below 1,000 yards this previous season.
When Schoen was requested instantly final week about whether or not the Barkley negotiations had been extra about operating again market worth or what he does for the group, the overall supervisor did not hesitate.
“Operating again market worth,” he stated.
And the $12.1 million franchise tag is predicted to be above market worth.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants won’t use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley for a second straight yr, sources instructed ESPN Tuesday, leaving the operating again free to check his worth as a free agent.
The franchise tag would have been price $12.1 million.
The transfer units in movement a possible departure from New York, the place Barkley has stated he would like to stay his whole profession to create a legacy and have a post-playing profession on par with the likes of Eli Manning and Michael Strahan. The Giants now appear prone to lose their finest offensive ability participant, an enormous threat contemplating their lack of All Professional-type gamers on the roster.
Regardless, Barkley needed to keep away from a second straight franchise tag. It might have meant taking part in out the 4 years of his rookie deal, a fifth-year choice and two years on the franchise tag with out ever turning into a real free agent.
The Giants had been adamant that Barkley was not accessible at this previous season’s commerce deadline. Normal supervisor Joe Schoen then described the tag as “a software we now have at our disposal” at his end-of-year information convention.
It left open the potential for one other go-around.
“They did it final yr. I am numb to it,” Barkley stated of the franchise tag after the season. “I actually haven’t any emotions in direction of that in any respect.”
Now, free company is lastly on the horizon after six seasons with the group that drafted him No. 2 general out of Penn State in 2018. The Giants had a dropping file in 5 of these six years.
When the concept Barkley was on the verge of hitting free company was introduced to a supply near the operating again just lately, it was met with little greater than eyeball emojis.
That is what they needed. It no less than offers Barkley selections and can decide the two-time Professional Bowler’s worth. There will likely be no extra what-ifs.
None of this utterly guidelines out a return to the Giants. The probably state of affairs for Barkley to return is that free company does not show to be as fruitful as he expects and the Giants determine to match a suggestion (probably below $10 million per season).
“They do not see the worth in paying a operating again $10 million,” one supply who spoke with the Giants final week stated.
Barkley, 27, turned down a last deal final offseason that sources have stated provided near $23 million assured. He made $10.1 million final yr on an adjusted franchise tag and something over $13 million assured in a brand new contract will finally be to his monetary profit, by way of assured cash and years.
The one drawback is the operating again market has been depressed in recent times. It is onerous for gamers on the place to receives a commission, particularly after the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs gained a Tremendous Bowl for the second straight yr with a seventh-round choose as their lead operating again.
An NFL basic supervisor predicted to ESPN that Barkley would get within the $8 million-per-year vary on a brand new contract in a troublesome offseason without cost brokers. One other thought it might be nearer to $10 million per season. That was the overall feeling from near a dozen executives, scouts and brokers with expertise in operating again negotiations.
Just one agent instructed the $12-14 million vary per season based mostly on Barkley’s identify worth and the projection of what he might do on a greater group with a extra competent supporting forged. That may be extra in keeping with the $24-25 million assured {that a} supply near the state of affairs believes would have gotten a deal completed with the Giants final yr.
This yr the free agent operating again class is loaded. It already has the likes of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard. That’s going to make this tough for Barkley.
“I imply, there’s some good names there. … It is slightly little bit of a saturated market,” Schoen stated final week on the NFL scouting mix.
Nevertheless it’s greater than that for the Giants. This transfer — and Barkley’s probably exit — has extra to do with the worth of the place than the rest. Particularly contemplating Barkley is 27 years previous with an harm historical past and rushed for below 1,000 yards this previous season.
When Schoen was requested instantly final week about whether or not the Barkley negotiations had been extra about operating again market worth or what he does for the group, the overall supervisor did not hesitate.
“Operating again market worth,” he stated.
And the $12.1 million franchise tag is predicted to be above market worth.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants won’t use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley for a second straight yr, sources instructed ESPN Tuesday, leaving the operating again free to check his worth as a free agent.
The franchise tag would have been price $12.1 million.
The transfer units in movement a possible departure from New York, the place Barkley has stated he would like to stay his whole profession to create a legacy and have a post-playing profession on par with the likes of Eli Manning and Michael Strahan. The Giants now appear prone to lose their finest offensive ability participant, an enormous threat contemplating their lack of All Professional-type gamers on the roster.
Regardless, Barkley needed to keep away from a second straight franchise tag. It might have meant taking part in out the 4 years of his rookie deal, a fifth-year choice and two years on the franchise tag with out ever turning into a real free agent.
The Giants had been adamant that Barkley was not accessible at this previous season’s commerce deadline. Normal supervisor Joe Schoen then described the tag as “a software we now have at our disposal” at his end-of-year information convention.
It left open the potential for one other go-around.
“They did it final yr. I am numb to it,” Barkley stated of the franchise tag after the season. “I actually haven’t any emotions in direction of that in any respect.”
Now, free company is lastly on the horizon after six seasons with the group that drafted him No. 2 general out of Penn State in 2018. The Giants had a dropping file in 5 of these six years.
When the concept Barkley was on the verge of hitting free company was introduced to a supply near the operating again just lately, it was met with little greater than eyeball emojis.
That is what they needed. It no less than offers Barkley selections and can decide the two-time Professional Bowler’s worth. There will likely be no extra what-ifs.
None of this utterly guidelines out a return to the Giants. The probably state of affairs for Barkley to return is that free company does not show to be as fruitful as he expects and the Giants determine to match a suggestion (probably below $10 million per season).
“They do not see the worth in paying a operating again $10 million,” one supply who spoke with the Giants final week stated.
Barkley, 27, turned down a last deal final offseason that sources have stated provided near $23 million assured. He made $10.1 million final yr on an adjusted franchise tag and something over $13 million assured in a brand new contract will finally be to his monetary profit, by way of assured cash and years.
The one drawback is the operating again market has been depressed in recent times. It is onerous for gamers on the place to receives a commission, particularly after the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs gained a Tremendous Bowl for the second straight yr with a seventh-round choose as their lead operating again.
An NFL basic supervisor predicted to ESPN that Barkley would get within the $8 million-per-year vary on a brand new contract in a troublesome offseason without cost brokers. One other thought it might be nearer to $10 million per season. That was the overall feeling from near a dozen executives, scouts and brokers with expertise in operating again negotiations.
Just one agent instructed the $12-14 million vary per season based mostly on Barkley’s identify worth and the projection of what he might do on a greater group with a extra competent supporting forged. That may be extra in keeping with the $24-25 million assured {that a} supply near the state of affairs believes would have gotten a deal completed with the Giants final yr.
This yr the free agent operating again class is loaded. It already has the likes of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard. That’s going to make this tough for Barkley.
“I imply, there’s some good names there. … It is slightly little bit of a saturated market,” Schoen stated final week on the NFL scouting mix.
Nevertheless it’s greater than that for the Giants. This transfer — and Barkley’s probably exit — has extra to do with the worth of the place than the rest. Particularly contemplating Barkley is 27 years previous with an harm historical past and rushed for below 1,000 yards this previous season.
When Schoen was requested instantly final week about whether or not the Barkley negotiations had been extra about operating again market worth or what he does for the group, the overall supervisor did not hesitate.
“Operating again market worth,” he stated.
And the $12.1 million franchise tag is predicted to be above market worth.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants won’t use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley for a second straight yr, sources instructed ESPN Tuesday, leaving the operating again free to check his worth as a free agent.
The franchise tag would have been price $12.1 million.
The transfer units in movement a possible departure from New York, the place Barkley has stated he would like to stay his whole profession to create a legacy and have a post-playing profession on par with the likes of Eli Manning and Michael Strahan. The Giants now appear prone to lose their finest offensive ability participant, an enormous threat contemplating their lack of All Professional-type gamers on the roster.
Regardless, Barkley needed to keep away from a second straight franchise tag. It might have meant taking part in out the 4 years of his rookie deal, a fifth-year choice and two years on the franchise tag with out ever turning into a real free agent.
The Giants had been adamant that Barkley was not accessible at this previous season’s commerce deadline. Normal supervisor Joe Schoen then described the tag as “a software we now have at our disposal” at his end-of-year information convention.
It left open the potential for one other go-around.
“They did it final yr. I am numb to it,” Barkley stated of the franchise tag after the season. “I actually haven’t any emotions in direction of that in any respect.”
Now, free company is lastly on the horizon after six seasons with the group that drafted him No. 2 general out of Penn State in 2018. The Giants had a dropping file in 5 of these six years.
When the concept Barkley was on the verge of hitting free company was introduced to a supply near the operating again just lately, it was met with little greater than eyeball emojis.
That is what they needed. It no less than offers Barkley selections and can decide the two-time Professional Bowler’s worth. There will likely be no extra what-ifs.
None of this utterly guidelines out a return to the Giants. The probably state of affairs for Barkley to return is that free company does not show to be as fruitful as he expects and the Giants determine to match a suggestion (probably below $10 million per season).
“They do not see the worth in paying a operating again $10 million,” one supply who spoke with the Giants final week stated.
Barkley, 27, turned down a last deal final offseason that sources have stated provided near $23 million assured. He made $10.1 million final yr on an adjusted franchise tag and something over $13 million assured in a brand new contract will finally be to his monetary profit, by way of assured cash and years.
The one drawback is the operating again market has been depressed in recent times. It is onerous for gamers on the place to receives a commission, particularly after the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs gained a Tremendous Bowl for the second straight yr with a seventh-round choose as their lead operating again.
An NFL basic supervisor predicted to ESPN that Barkley would get within the $8 million-per-year vary on a brand new contract in a troublesome offseason without cost brokers. One other thought it might be nearer to $10 million per season. That was the overall feeling from near a dozen executives, scouts and brokers with expertise in operating again negotiations.
Just one agent instructed the $12-14 million vary per season based mostly on Barkley’s identify worth and the projection of what he might do on a greater group with a extra competent supporting forged. That may be extra in keeping with the $24-25 million assured {that a} supply near the state of affairs believes would have gotten a deal completed with the Giants final yr.
This yr the free agent operating again class is loaded. It already has the likes of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard. That’s going to make this tough for Barkley.
“I imply, there’s some good names there. … It is slightly little bit of a saturated market,” Schoen stated final week on the NFL scouting mix.
Nevertheless it’s greater than that for the Giants. This transfer — and Barkley’s probably exit — has extra to do with the worth of the place than the rest. Particularly contemplating Barkley is 27 years previous with an harm historical past and rushed for below 1,000 yards this previous season.
When Schoen was requested instantly final week about whether or not the Barkley negotiations had been extra about operating again market worth or what he does for the group, the overall supervisor did not hesitate.
“Operating again market worth,” he stated.
And the $12.1 million franchise tag is predicted to be above market worth.