Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks on prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Washington Commanders at New York Giants
(New York, NY) — New York Giants captain and safety Xavier McKinney may want Saquon Barkley to hold out for a new deal.
McKinney is entering the final year of his rookie deal, meaning he will either be the Giants’ most high-profile free agent with the possibility of being franchise tagged or have the full free freedom to sign with whatever team.
If Barkley and the Giants reach a multiyear agreement before Monday’s deadline, that leaves room for the Giants-only franchise tag to be used on McKinney next offseason.
“Right now their talking, their negotiating, they’ve never stopped negotiating,” Paul Schwartz told 77WABC.
“I think they’ll probably get something done” Schwartz said about Saquon. “I don’t think it’s good for anyone to play on the franchise tag of 10 million dollars.”
Will the New York Giants extend Saquon Barkley before the July 17th deadline?
Big Blue beat reporter @NYPost_Schwartz breaks down the situation. pic.twitter.com/SBncBmhASc
— TalkRadio 77 WABC (@77WABCradio) June 28, 2023
If Barkley and the team fail to reach an agreement, Barkley will have to play this upcoming season on the franchise tag, which leaves the possibility of him getting franchise-tagged again next offseason.
With a second franchise tag on Barkley, McKinney would be free to sign with any franchise next year through free agency.
A third (and less favorable) option is Barkley struggling or getting injured this season, which would make it more likely McKinney gets the tag over Barkley, leading the running back to free agency.
