The New York Giants, headed by Saquon Barkley, shocked the football world in 2022. They did this by returning to the playoffs after several seasons of being in the bottom third of the league. Their 9-7-1 record featured a playoff victory over the Minnesota Vikings, before falling to the Eagles in the Divisional Round. In 2023, they tumbled right back down to the bottom third once more, finishing with a record of 6-11. Barkley, who has become one of the best in the league at his position, has found himself once again up for the Franchise Tag. After months of speculation, Barkley’s future, and the Giants’ ultimate fate going forward, will be answered in a matter of hours.

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is shown on the field after the game, January 7, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Kevin R. Wexler, USA Today
Saquon and the Giants’ First Time Around The Block
The sixth-year player from Penn State has done this dance before. In the modern NFL, a league where running backs are facing increasingly smaller roles in pass-dominated offenses, Barkley was only able to receive a franchise tag in the 2022-2023 offseason. Amidst a summer where other running backs, such as Josh Jacobs of the Raiders, could only receive franchise tags of their own, Barkley’s was the most talked-about instance of running backs not being paid. Despite his attempt to hold out, the star running back did receive a new one-year extension instead of the franchise tag, and reported to camp day one in the summer of last year.Ezoic

This time around, however, it is much less clear if Barkley will accept another one-year deal. Some, like Boomer Esiason, believe that the star back will want out of a perpetually losing situation, especially to move towards Jim Harbaugh’s first Chargers squad. Esiason has said for some time that the Giants might consider moving Barkley. Others still believe, including Barkley himself, that the Giants will come around and ensure he remains a Giant for life.

New York Giants, Saquon Barkley
Sep 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll looks on as New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is helped off the field during the second half of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Barkley and the Hurtful Turf
There are multiple factors at play that will influence where Barkley goes, outside of win-loss records. MetLife stadium, home to both the Jets and Giants, has often been criticized for having turf that has caused significant injuries to many players. Although Barkley has avoided significant injuries while playing on MetLife’s stadium turf, others have not been as fortunate. Speaking to reporters after his team’s win over the Jets on Black Friday, Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert had this to say:Ezoic

“We’ve got to do something about this turf and this playing surface,” Mostert told reporters. “It just has to change.”

Another factor, one that does closely tie into win-loss records, is age. After the close of the 2024-25 season, Barkley will turn 28 years old. A running back does not fare very well especially after he gets into his later twenties. The common goal of any NFL player is to make it to the Super Bowl and win the game to claim a Lombardi Trophy for himself. In six seasons in the league, Barkley has made the playoffs with the Giants exactly one time, in 2022, and has experienced double digit loss seasons in every other one.Ezoic

If he is to truly be a Giant for life, the Giants Front Office must also continue to build around Daniel Jones, who has been under center for the team for all but one of Barkley’s seasons, and be able to field consistent contenders.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen speaks at the NFL combine on Feb. 27, 2024. Credit: AP
Where Might The Giants Go From Here?
The Giants ended 2023 with four running backs on the roster, three of them that are not Saquon Barkley: Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell, and Matt Breida. The latter three names do not at all stack up to what Saquon Barkley would bring to the table. The 2024 NFL Draft Class does not offer very many solid options at the position, and bringing in a veteran at the position will offer the same problems Barkley faced.

If Barkley is to be tagged, he will likely attempt to hold out once again, and this time, he may do so deep into training camp and even for regular season games. If the Giants do not offer a tag and allow Barkley to walk, the focus of Joe Schoen and his front office staff will turn to negotiating a long-term deal with the star. The problem with that is there will be several teams eagerly competing for his services, including Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, his brother John’s Baltimore Ravens, and many others.

Regardless of where he may sign, Barkley will be expected to fetch a value north of $30 million for a long-term deal.