Giants franchise tag Saquon Barkley 2024: source

Giants won't franchise tag Saquon Barkley. Potential suitors include Ravens, Raiders, Bears, Patriots, Texans, Eagles. Barkley seeks value and opportunity.

The latest news out of New York reveals that the Giants have made the decision not to franchise tag running back Saquon Barkley for the upcoming season. This move allows Barkley, who is 27 years old, to explore his options on the open market for the first time in his career.

While there is still a possibility that Barkley could return to the Giants after testing free agency, many sources believe that he will likely be playing for a different team in 2024. Potential suitors for Barkley include the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles, all of whom have the resources, need, and interest to potentially sign him.

Despite the deep pool of talented free agent running backs available this year, such as Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, and Josh Jacobs, evaluators at the NFL combine in Indianapolis expressed high praise for Barkley. Many believe that he is a dynamic player who could excel in a role similar to Christian McCaffrey.

The idea of Barkley teaming up with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore or joining forces with Caleb Williams and D.J. Moore in Chicago is no longer a far-fetched scenario. While Barkley has a strong affinity for New York and the Giants, his desire to win, be compensated fairly, and be utilized as a top offensive weapon may lead him to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Giants GM Joe Schoen is hesitant to invest significant money in a running back, especially as the team enters a crucial third year under his leadership. Barkley's desire to showcase his skills as a receiver, a role he believes was underutilized in New York, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Ultimately, Barkley's future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear - he is poised to make a significant impact wherever he lands next.