3 reasons the NY Giants won Saquon Barkley contract negotiations

3 reasons the NY Giants won Saquon Barkley contract negotiations, No. 1: Giants can franchise tag Saquon Barkley next year

This situation between the New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley began in March. The team had to figure out how to sign Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones to long-term contracts. If worse came to worse, the Giants could place the franchise tag on one player. While the team and Jones agreed to terms on a four-year, $160 million contract, they ultimately placed the franchise tag on Barkley to try and agree to a deal by July 17.

As we know, the Giants and Barkley missed the deadline, meaning that both sides could not agree to terms on a long-term deal. However, they were able to agree to a new deal for the 2023 season on Tuesday.

The Giants did get a win by tying Barkley’s $909,000 in incentives (1,350 rushing yards, 65 receptions, and 11 rushing/receiving touchdowns), which would all come if the Giants make the playoffs. But then, there’s more.

Barkley’s new contract does not include a “no franchise tag” clause, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. Meaning, the Giants can place the franchise tag on Barkley again next offseason if they so choose.

It’s a rough side to the business, whether you are a running back or any NFL player. The franchise tag prevents the player from hitting free agency and exploring their options. But, that’s the rules that the NFL has created, and teams use them.

The Giants now have the luxury to wait another season before returning to the negotiation table with Barkley, and if they so choose, they can place the tag on Barkley again if they are unable to agree to terms on a contract again.