The New York Giants placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley.
Barkley, who rushed for 1,312 yards with 10 touchdowns last season, will earn $10.091 million in the tag. The 26-year-old was just one of 21 unrestricted free agents heading into the 2023 offseason for the Giants.
Barkley’s franchise tag comes after New York agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract with quarterback Daniel Jones, who was the Giants’ top priority on their list of players the team intended to retain.
With Jones agreeing to a multi-year deal minutes before Tuesday’s deadline, the organization was able to place the tag on Barkley. The move keeps Barkley, Penn State’s second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, on the team through the upcoming 2023-24 season unless another club makes an offer the Giants aren’t willing to match .
Barkley is a two-time Pro Bowler, a former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and holds the record for most receptions by a rookie running back in a single season with 91. Barkley began his NFL career with a statement a rookie season in which he rushed for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns, the first of two consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns.
Health issues plagued Barkley in Year 3 before his comeback campaign in 2022.
[Related reading: Saquon Barkley might soon become a luxury the Giants can’t afford]
The Giants can continue to work on a long-term contract with the young star before the July 17 deadline for Barkley to sign his tag.
FOX Sports Top Stories:
National Football League
New York Giants
Get more New York Giants Follow your favorites for information on games, news and more