Saquon Barkley's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

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.

The Athletic's Charlotte Carroll examined a hypothetical that seems to be gaining some traction lately: That the New York Giants should make an offer to running back Saquon Barkley early this offseason, and if he doesn't accept it, let him test free agency to see what the league thinks he's worth. Then before signing anything, Barkley gives the Giants a chance to match any offer from another team. "I wouldn't be against that. That's fair," Barkley said when posed that scenario last week. Working in Barkley's favor if he hits the open market is the fact that this year's RB class in the draft is considered weak. However, the free-agent class at the position is shaping up to be strong. The RB franchise tag is at $12.1 million in 2024, but the G-Men may prefer not to use it on a 27-year-old who missed another three games with a high-ankle sprain in 2023 and who also averaged under 4.0 yards per carry.

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley found paydirt twice, propelling his team to an upset victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18. Barkley scored the Giants' first two touchdowns and New York never allowed the Eagles to get back into the game. Outside of the scores, Barkley didn't find a ton of running room, taking 18 carries for 46 yards (2.6 yards per attempt). The former Pro Bowl back added 51 yards through the air, including a 46-yard gain in the second quarter. This could have been the final game for Barkley in New York. He's currently without a long-term deal from the team, who seem reluctant to shell out the cash for the former second-overall pick.

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley could again take advantage of a suddenly struggling Philadelphia run defense. Two weeks ago, the former Pro Bowl back dashed for 80 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles have been the fifth-worst defense against fantasy football running backs over the last four weeks, despite being one of the best for the majority of the season. This could be the final game for Barkley as a member of the Giants. He'll be a free agent this offseason and it remains to be seen if the team wants to commit to him long-term.