How Giants' Daniel Jones could cause Saquon Barkley to hit free agency

The recent actions of New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will probably impact the future of star running back and fellow to-be free agent Saquon Barkley. 

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted on Monday that the Giants' focus regarding their top two offensive playmakers "will likely shift to getting Barkley signed" after Jones changed agents and went from CAA to Athletes First. 

In a different piece, Florio reported that a source says Jones is looking for "as much as $45 million per year" via his second pro contract. This could force the Giants to use the non-exclusive franchise tag to retain Jones' rights, which would prevent the club from utilizing a tag to hold onto Barkley. 

ESPN's Jordan Raanan explained last week that the Giants and Barkley could come to terms on a deal if they met "at $14 million per year."

At that time, it was widely thought that Jones was looking to earn around $35-$37 million per season. If, however, Jones changed agencies to play hardball with the Giants, general manager Joe Schoen may feel he has no other choice than to save the franchise tag for Jones ahead of the March 7 deadline. 

The tag for a quarterback could cost the Giants around $32.416 million.

Raanan added in his piece that Giants co-owner John Mara "understands Barkley's value" to the team both on the field and as somebody who can move merchandise and tickets. 

Barkley's business manager is also reportedly "close with co-owner Steve Tisch." Florio suggested Monday that Barkley's camp could use all of this information during ongoing negotiations with the Giants. 

"The rampant tampering at the Scouting Combine will help the effort," Florio said of Barkley. "Barkley will know what is, and isn’t, out there before making a final decision on whatever the Giants offer." 

Florio speculated that it "now seems unlikely" the Giants and Jones will work out a long-term contract before the new league year opens next month. Thus, Barkley may have to stay true to his word and offer the only NFL home he's had since the 2018 draft a bit of a discount to remain teammates with Jones for at least one more year.

For what it is worth, Schoen may already have a couple of potential Barkley replacements in mind depending on the 26-year-old's contract requests this winter.