'His Value Hasn't Changed': Giants' Joe Schoen Reveals Stance on Texans' Free Agent Target Saquon Barkley

The Giants plan to meet with Saquon Barkley during free agency, however, the All-Pro running back has likely played his final game in New York.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Saquon Barkley will be one of a handful of the league's top running backs set to become a free agent on March 13. The New York Giants have chosen not to place the franchise tag on the veteran running back as his tenure with the team is drawing to an end. And according to several reports, Barkley is a favorite to sign with the Houston Texans.

General manager Joe Schoen said Tuesday morning at the NFL Combine that the Giants plan to meet with the two-time All-Pro running back. However, Schoen added that the franchise "will do what's best for the organization."

Barkley (26) is shown with the ball against the Jets. The Giants' star running back is on the verge of hitting free agency and there is plenty of debate over his uncertain future with Big Blue :: Kevin R. Wexler - The Record / USA TODAY NETWORK

"His value hasn't changed, especially for the organization," Schoen said. "He's a captain. He's a leader. He's a hard worker. I think the world of Saquon, and I still think he can play. My value for Saquon hasn't changed. Unfortunately, throughout the process back in November 2022, we were not able to agree to terms. 

"We will circle back again. He has a new agent. We look forward to sitting down and having a conversation with him. We have all grown through the last 13 or 14 months. And Saquon could be in a different place than he was then. I am looking forward to having those conversations with him." 

Barkley played under the Giants' franchise tag last season, where he fell 38 rushing yards short of posting his fourth career 1,000-yard season.

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He finished his sixth season with the franchise rushing for 962 yards on 247 attempts and six touchdowns. The former first-round pick (No. 2 overall) was also a solid target in the passing game, recording 46 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns.

Schoen added that "getting a fair deal" is Barkley's top objective entering free agency. His projected market value is $10.0 million, a realistic value the Texans can meet due to their projected $69.9 million in cap space. 

After the Texans' Divisional Round elimination to the Baltimore Ravens in January, coach DeMeco Ryans stated that improving Houston's rushing attack would be a "significant" priority this off-season.