Saquon Barkley has been one of the most talented running backs in the NFL since he signed his rookie deal with the New York Giants on July 22, 2018. That deal was worth just over $31 million.
Since then, Barkley and the Giants have had an increasingly strained relationship. Because Barkley was a first-round pick, the Giants were able to exercise a $7.2 million fifth-year team option for the 2022 season.'
For 2023, the Giants prevented Barkley from hitting the market as a free agent by using their franchise tag on him. Barkley is about to turn 27 and still hasn't experienced the financial windfall that free agency often brings for a player of his talents.
Ahead of 2024, the Giants are allegedly considering another use of the franchise tag on Barkley. Understandably frustrated, Barkley told reporters at the end of the 2023 season that the Giants should “Just get it over with. If not, let me go.”