New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has yet to sign his franchise tender and will not report on Monday when the team begins their offseason program.
Although Barkley’s absence was expected, it has stirred significant debate on social media. Should the Giants up their initial offer to Barkley or should they let him play out the season on the franchise tag?
One of the Giants’ chief rivals, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, weighed in on that.
“The scheme on Monday morning is that we will not let Saquon Barkley beat us,” Parsons tweeted. “People just think we be out here playing free for all! . . . That (man) is that offense! Pay him!”
The Giants had previously offered Barkley a deal worth roughly $12.5 million annually but pulled that offer once the running back market fizzled in free agency. Barkley and his representative had reportedly been seeking a deal closer to the $16 million AAV range.
General manager Joe Schoen would still like to get Barkley signed to a long-term deal but not at those bloated numbers.
As for Parsons, you have to wonder if he delivered a similar message to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones when it came to Ezekiel Elliott. He was set to earn $16.7 million in 2023 which Jones ultimately deemed too expensive.
Barkley shouldn’t be criticized for trying to secure the maximum amount possible, but the running back market simply isn’t bearing the fruit he expected. And the Giants are in no position to overpay when they can keep him on the tag at $10.1 million this season.
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