Philadelphia Eagles DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The New York Giants and impending free-agent running back Saquon Barkley's representatives had a "good (initial) meeting" on Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, according to a source. The Giants are reportedly open to multiple options, including memorializing Barkley's legacy as a Giants, pending an agreement on mutual terms. The 27-year-old is unlikely to receive the franchise tag for the second straight year, although the G-Men aren't ruling it out. If it makes sense financially for both sides, a long-term extension makes the most sense, but the Giants will be way given Barkley's long injury history. Wherever he lands in 2024, Barkley will be a risk/reward RB1 for fantasy managers after he missed three more games with injury in 2023 and finished under 1,000 yards rushing for the third time in his six NFL seasons.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith said earlier this month that he's not worried about a long-term contract extension this offseason. "It's all in God's hands," Smith said. "At the end of the day, extension or not, I'm going to have to come in and do what I have to do." The 25-year-old pass-catcher is now eligible for an extension after completing three seasons in the NFL. At the very least, the Eagles will pick up Smith's fifth-year option, which will take him through the 2025 season. The former 10th overall pick in 2021 out of Alabama has topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last two years and has gone for 3,178 yards and 19 touchdowns in his three years in the league. Smith has been durable, too, and his fantasy arrow continues to point up heading into 2024.

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen isn't ruling out using the franchise tag on impending free-agent running back Saquon Barkley, even though it was reported on Monday that they were unlikely to use it on him. "The franchise tag is not off the table. He wants a fair deal and I appreciate that," Schoen said. Using the franchise tag on the 27-year-old RB would cost the G-Men around $12.1 million in 2024, and it would be the second straight year they would have used the tag on him. Even after missing more time due to injury in 2023, Barkley would be a hot commodity at the position this offseason if he doesn't end up re-signing in New York. The two-time Pro Bowler averaged 3.9 yards per carry on 247 attempts for 962 rushing yards and six TDs in 14 games in 2023. No matter where he lands, the oft-injured RB will be a risk/reward RB1 for fantasy managers.

The New York Giants will speak with impending free-agent running back Saquon Barkley and explore a new deal with him, but they are unlikely to place the franchise tag on him for $12.109 million in 2024, according to sources. The 27-year-old could very well hit the open market when the new league year opens in March, but there's no denying that Barkley is the essence of New York's offense when he's healthy. The two-time Pro Bowler took a step back in 2023 and missed three games due to injury, finishing with 962 rushing yards on 247 carries (3.9 yards per carry) and six touchdowns while adding 41 catches for 280 yards and four more TDs. Barkley could have a decent market if he reaches free agency, but he'll continue to be a risk/reward RB1 due to his extensive injury history.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown said on 94 WIP Sports Radio in Philadelphia that he wants to stay with the team. "I have no problem. I want to be here, it's as simple as that. I love where I'm at, it's as simple as that. Next question," Brown said. The 26-year-old Pro Bowl wideout was calling into the radio station to dispel rumors that he could be a trade candidate this offseason. He also said he has no issues with quarterback Jalen Hurts after the team's late-season meltdown in 2023 that culminated in a wild-card loss to the Buccaneers. Brown is entering the second year of his four-year, $100 million extension and will continue being Hurts' top target in the passing game. The no-doubt WR1 in fantasy had 1,456 receiving yards -- his fourth 1,000-yard season in five years -- and seven TDs on a career-high 106 catches last year.