Saquon Barkley wants to test his value in free agency this spring and is open to an idea that would give his current team, the New York Giants, the right to first refusal on any offers he gets.
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The Giants and the star running back are weeks away from possibly replicating the same ugly situation they both went through last year. With the two-time Pro Bowler set to be a free agent, the organization could try to hash out a new long-term deal, let him hit free agency, or franchise tag him — and possibly trade him before the NFL Draft.
- Saquon Barkley stats (2023-24): 962 rushing yards, 280 passing yards, 10 total TDs
Last year Barkley was a training camp holdout before the two sides eventually agreed to a revised contract that was slightly more than the value of the franchise tag. Both sides would like to avoid going through that again, and an interesting idea was suggested to the New York native this week that could benefit both sides.
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Saquon Barkley willing to let New York Giants match any free agent offer
On Friday, the New York Post asked the 27-year-old how he would feel about the idea of the Giants letting him test his value in free agency — like he wants — and then the running back gives his long-time employer the right to match the best offer he gets. Interestingly, Barkley liked the concept.
“I wouldn’t be against that,” he said. “That’s fair.”
It would be a risky move for New York if they would prefer he stay in blue, however, with running back values on a huge decline around the league, there is a chance the franchise could end up getting him at a lower rate than they offered last year. Furthermore, Saquon Barkley gets to control his future.
It may be too big a risk for the G-Men and if they can’t agree on a new deal, a franchise and tag would seem very likely.