The New York Giants took contract negotiations with quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley right up to the franchise tag deadline in 2023. A year later, the Giants’ decision could come back to cost them in 2024.
Hours short of the 2023 franchise tag deadline, New York signed Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract extension and then placed the tag on Barkley. It ensured both players would return for the season, but the long-term cost of that call could now come back to bite New York.
- Saquon Barkley stats 2023: 962 rushing yards, 3.9 yards per carry, 1,242 scrimmage yards, 10 touchdowns in 14 games
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As Jones recovers from an ACL tear heading into a 2024 season with a $47.1 million cap hit, New York faces a difficult decision with Barkley. If it wants to prevent him from testing NFL free agency, the Giants would likely need to place the franchise tag on him for the second consecutive year at the cost of $12.1 million guaranteed.
According to Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports, New York is not expected to use the franchise tag for the second consecutive year on Barkley. If he wants to remain in a Giants’ uniform, the only way that’s happening is if he agrees to a new deal before free agency begins.
However, per Vacchiano, the Giants aren’t likely to increase the offer they made to the Pro Bowl running back last season. Not only that, the multi-year deal worth $13 million annually with $26 million guaranteed over the first two years is no longer expected to be offered.
- New York Giants cap space 2024: $30.601 million
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As a result, Barkley will likely hit the open market and considering how poorly things went with the Giants in 2023 it makes a return to New York highly unlikely next season. Already facing questions about the lack of a supporting cast around Jones, the Giants’ offense is now on the verge of losing its best offensive weapon.
