The New York Giants and Saquon Barkley again meet at a crossroads this summer as both parties get haunted by what disrupted their relationship last season-contract demands.
The 26-year-old running back was handed a franchise tag by the team at the start of the 2023 season as he looked to bolster his demands for a new deal.
Saquon Barkley's contract demand was eventually put out of the way when he signed an adjusted franchise tag, which got an additional $2 million signing bonus and incentives.
He played in all their 14 games, although they did not make the postseason.
The two camps are back at it, and trade rumors are swirling. Many Giants fans want to keep him, but what is the management thinking?
Latest from the Giants front office
As of this week, Giants General Manager Joe Schoen is keen on negotiating with Barkley.
The Athletic reported that Schoen met with his main running back when the player was out to work for a Super Bowl ad. There will be a follow-up at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, with representatives of Barkley expected to be present.
"We had a good conversation," Schoen told the sports publication.
The Giants can put a second franchise tag on him before the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year enters free agency. Schoen hinted at the end of their 2023 campaign that the tag on Barkley will remain.
Running back situation in New York
There might be a surplus of running backs in the Giants squad, and many of them will enter free agency, too.
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Tony Pollard had his moments last year, and so did Derrick Henry. Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler, and D'Andre Swift are also in the lineup and will become free agents, too.
The Giants are also expected to draft a quarterback in the 2024 draft that will become a successor to Daniel Jones.
Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers will also become available, and it will not be a surprise if the Giants strike a deal to get him.
Saquon Barkley's contract demand and feelings about Giants
Barkley expects a holdout through the franchise tag, suggesting he remains ready to negotiate. This is consistent with his earlier statements that he wants to spend all his professional career with the Giants-based team.
"They (tagged me) last year. So, it's nothing. I'm numb to it," Barkley said at the end of the season. "I really have no feelings towards that at all. Just don't wait until March 5. Let's get it over with. If not, let me go. Simple."
He earned a base salary of $8 million last season. According to reports, he was offered $14 million a year during last summer's negotiations but rejected it.
Barkley, according to SpotRac's analysis, has around $12.3 million valuation if he signs a four-year contract.
His case received so much fanfare last season as many thought that more running backs would follow suit if he got the deal he wanted.
In summary, what the Giants are thinking remains unknown. Barkley's future with the team remains unclear.
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