Saquon Barkley has been given the non-exclusive franchise tag recently by the Giants as they are not particularly interested in signing him to a long-term contract extension, causing great frustration for the stars’ potential future.
Barkley was originally selected by the Giants in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He played in all 16 games for the team, compiling 261 carries for 1 307 yards and 11 touchdowns in addition to 91 receptions for 721 yards and four more.
Will Saquon Barkley continue his career path with the Giants?
The Running back has been given the $10.1 million franchise tag by the New York Giants ahead of the 2023 season. Prior to that, the Giants’ general manager stated that the team’s top priority was to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Barkley to long-term contracts. But later, before the March 7 deadline, the Giants and Jones reached an agreement on a four-year, $160 million contract, enabling the Giants to franchise Shaquon.
During a break here at the NFL annual league meeting, Giants team owner John Mara clarified obviously that the team is still interested in SB and wants to keep him on the team.
“I told Saquon we want him to be a Giant for his entire career. He provides leadership, he’s a great player and we’d like to be able to get something done with him at some point. The running back market is what it is right now, but I’m still hopeful at some point we will come to an agreement,” Mara stated.
Furthermore, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the running back won’t sign his franchise tender with the New York Giants prior to the beginning of the team’s offseason training. Thus, he can’t take part in the Giants’ off-season practices.
Barkley and the Giants have until July 17 to reach a long-term agreement. The 26 years old will play this season under his franchise tag or may opt to hold out in search of a new contract or perhaps a trade if they are unable to come to an agreement on a multi-year extension.
Following the RB’s franchise tag, his future is now up in the air. The Feb-born superstar will still need to reach an agreement with the Big Apple on an annual value this offseason if they want to keep him in their wide receiver room.
