Report: Saquon Barkley Makes Shocking Decision on Signing Franchise Tag

The Giants running back received the franchise tag from the team earlier this offseason but is seeking a new deal.

Giants star running back Saquon Barkley does not plan to sign his franchise tender before the team’s offseason program begins next Monday, making him ineligible to participate, according to Kim Jones of Newsday.

Barkley joined quarterback Daniel Jones as two critical pieces to the offense who were scheduled to hit free agency this offseason. Prior to the new league year, the Giants struck a deal with Jones on a long-term contract extension, which made Barkley a prime candidate to receive the franchise tag.

The Giants tagged Barkley to keep him out of the free agent market as the star running back worked with the team on a long-term extension. To date, an agreement on a new deal has yet to be reached.

The oft-injured Barkley was able to stay healthy for all 16 regular-season games in 2022, the first time he’s played in every game since his rookie year in ’18. Barkley rushed for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns and added 338 receiving yards on 57 receptions out of the backfield.

His 82.0 yards rushing per game last season was the highest total of his career.

As Barkley enters his age 26 season, his sixth year in the NFL, there remain questions about how long he will be in his prime before his play inevitably drops off. It remains to be seen whether or not the team and Barkley will be able to come to terms on a new contract. But with the star running back now holding out and refusing to sign his franchise tender, the onus is once again on the team to come back to the bargaining table to keep him in blue and white.