Questions Giants, Saquon Barkley Must Answer Ahead of Upcoming Contract Talks
The New York Giants want running back Saquon Barkley back--if they didn't, then general manager Joe Schoen probably wouldn't have revealed an upcoming plan to sit with Barkley's representation at the upcoming combine.
Barkley wants to be back--if he didn't, then he probably wouldn't continue to speak of his desire to be a Giant for life.
With that out of the way, the question that must be answered is how can the two sides come to a middle ground that is in the best interest of each. And for that answer to be reached, both sides are going to have to give and take a little in the negotiations.
So let's take a deep dive into where things stand and where they could potentially end up.
Should the Giants Use the Franchise Tag Again?
It's an option, and one in if they really wanted to control the narrative, they should use it because it not only buys them time in negotiating with Barkley beyond the March 5 deadline to use the tag, it also gives them the ability to execute a tag-and-trade resulting in draft picks they could use this year (as opposed to a comp pick which would be available for use in 2025--if they even were to get such a pick).
But there are downsides to tagging Barkley again, starting with the ill-will it would likely create with the player, a player who, by the way, is very popular in the locker room. By tagging Barkley a second time, the Giants could be viewed as having done him dirty because they'd be exercising total control over his future, which is not a good look for a team that has based its culture on giving its locker room a say in certain business decisions affecting the team.
Then there are the finances. Unlike last year, when the Giants were comfortable carrying Barkley on the tag if he didn't agree to a new deal, this year is quite different.
Remember, once the tag is used, that's $12 million that comes off the $11,629,144 of effective cap space (and $19,462,691 in total space)the Giants have. While they can get more by cutting Mark Glowisnki and restructuring some other contracts, that's really not a habit they should look to get into just to prove a point.
The Giants have far too many needs to address, such as an offensive line, a second cornerback, and a backup quarterback, to name a few. Those three spots figure to be addressed via free agency, as that makes the most sense. Oh, and those three positions figure to cost a pretty penny to fill, which is why the Giants don't want to be tying up money on a franchise tag if they don't have to.
Should the Giants Let Barkley Test the Market?
If they want to show goodwill and respect to the player, the answer is absolutely. The veteran running backs market figures to be flooded this year as guys like Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard (assuming neither is tagged again), should hit the market. So, too, will Derrick Henry (Tennessee), Gus Edwards (Baltimore), and Austin Ekeler (Chargers).
Others set to hit free agency at the position include Boston Scott (Carolina), D'Andre Swift (Philadelphia), and Clyde Edwards-Helarie (Kansas City). That's a lot of running back talent set to flood the market, and before anyone brings up the argument that Barkley and his unique skill set should land him a pretty payday, it's worth noting that unlike some of his competition, Barkley, with his injury history, has never won a rushing title nor been named a first- or second-team All-Pro.
Given the circumstances, the Giants should let Barkley test the market with the understanding that if he gets an offer, he should allow them the opportunity to match, an arrangement Barkley told the New York Post he'd be agreeable to entering.
While this takes the negotiations out of the Giants hands, general manager Joe Schoen, who again said the plan was to sit with Barkley's representation during the combine, has far bigger fish to fry when it comes to getting this team fixed once free agency begins rather than to go back and forth with the running back.
What Barkley Needs to Consider
Without knowing what Barkley is looking for money-wise, it's probably not a stretch to predict he'd like to be among the top five paid running backs. Whether that goal is realistic is another story, though, as again, his injury history is something that needs to be taken into consideration.
Barkley's career resume doesn't come close to matching that of the current top five highest-paid running backs in the league (Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Johnathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, and Nick Chubb). Those five not only have at least one Pro Bowl to their name (as does Barkley), but they all have at least one second-team All-Pro honor, and three of them (McCaffrey, Taylor, and Henry) have at least one rushing yardage title.
The advantage Barkley does have over his peers is his marketability. Playing in the New York market has afforded him the chance to score several national deals with major brands, which help to supplement his career earnings.
When deciding his next career move, Barkley, he needs to be honest with himself as to whether he wants to be listed among the top-five NFL running backs based on his football deal alone, or if the added bonus of multimillion-dollar marketing deals would boost his overall net worth by bringing him additional financial security will be a nice consolation.
So How Will It Shake Out?
Only Joe Schoen knows what he plans to do if a new deal isn't reached, but there are some clues that are pointing to an amicable ending, starting with last year.
As the Giants season began to crumble around the team, Schoen was steadfast in his insistence that Barkley was not going to be traded, despite there having been some reports of interested teams wanting him. Schoen and the Giants showed Barkley respect by not only keeping him but also by being open in their communication as to what was going on. Barkley, for his part, appreciated that.
That open communication showed the running back respect, an optic that made its way to the locker room. Although Kayvon Thibodeaux would later express disapproval over Barkley having not gotten paid last year, the negotiations were much different and (reportedly) at times contentious unit Barkley brought in a new agency to help with getting something done.
The current Giants regime hasn't been about picking fights with players, contrary to what it might have looked like in the past. As part of the new culture this regime has put in place, there has been a greater attempt at being transparent and providing the players with a sense of ownership where possible.
At the same time, the management brass has always been (and will always be) about doing what's in the best interest of the organization. And while letting another team potentially do your negotiating for you, as would be the case if Schoen and Barkley strike a handshake agreement as outlined above that allows him to test the market, this act of good faith will be more favorably viewed not just by the people in the Giants locker room but also by those contemplating joining the team.
