The New York Giants’ offseason will undoubtedly be dominated by how Saquon Barkley’s future develops. Thankfully, the elite running back appears ready to offer the Giants a reasonable opportunity to retain him in 2024 NFL free agency.
Barkley is willing to take a look at other options, but he also doesn’t mind the Giants trying to match any offers he gets. When Barkley was questioned prior to the 2024 Super Bowl, he seemed to approve of the deal, which Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post referred to as a “handshake agreement.”
In response to the scenario described by the Post, the 27-year-old said, “I wouldn’t be against that.” That is reasonable.
This agreement would still require approval from head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. However, Dunleavy believes it’s best for all parties if Barkley is given the freedom to consider his alternatives and is trusted to keep the Giants informed.
First-Refusal Right Giants should be happy that Saquon Barkley does not want to be tagged as a franchise player, according to Dunleavy. “No crippling $12.1 million charge on the Giants’ salary cap,” is what it signifies. If the parties cannot reach a multiyear agreement when they reconvene later this month, there will be no more hostilities.
For a club, where the expected pay under the salary cap is $26,811,449 according to Spotrac.com, price must be an issue. It hardly suffices to address issues at cornerback, defensive end, offensive line, and wide receiver as well.
Left tackle Andrew Thomas is a big earner that Schoen can rework with some ingenuity. Even so, Barkley’s tag would cost a significant amount of free-agency money.
According to Dunleavy, it would be better to let Barkley consider offers. “If Barkley is correct about his value, the Giants can match or surpass his best offer and manipulate the salary-cap charge to be less than the tag in 2024 — or let Barkley walk, claim he was beyond their price range, and try the alternative method of a rotation of young, cheap backs while the money is redirected to other pressing needs.” The Giants might re-sign Barkley for less than they might have imagined if he is incorrect.
It takes faith for Barkley to provide the Giants the right of first refusal. Thankfully, Barkley appears to have no intention of leaving the Giants.
He reminded us emphatically, “They know where my heart is.”
