Beat writer suggests Giants could move on from two-time Pro Bowler

New York Giants beat writer Bob Brookover of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com thinks running back Saquon Barkley could lose more than just money by not signing the non-exclusive franchise tag soon. 

In a piece published Friday, Brookover touched upon a scenario that involves Barkley not signing the tag up through the opening night of the NFL Draft on April 27. From there, general manager Joe Schoen finds that potential targets such as wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jordan Addison, Zay Flowers and Quentin Johnston are all off the board when the Giants are called to use pick No. 25. 

Assuming all that occurs, Brookover believes Schoen and company could grab Texas Longhorns star running back Bijan Robinson. Brookover referred to Robinson as "a blue-chip running back who also has great receiving and blocking skills," which suggests the ball-carrier would be a perfect fit in the offense run by Big Blue head coach Brian Daboll. 

"If the Giants decide Robinson’s talent is too good to pass up at No. 25, they then could rescind the tag on Barkley, which would send shockwaves through the NFL but may not be a bad business decision," Brookover explained. "At that point, Barkley becomes a free agent and the Giants get $10.09M in salary-cap space." 

Brookover noted that Barkley would be hitting the open market after teams filled holes at the position via free agency and/or the draft. Schoen, meanwhile, would be moving on from somebody he didn't choose with the second pick of the 2018 draft because the executive wasn't associated with the Giants at that time. 

Brookover's idea is not all that far-fetched. Schoen made it clear late last month that no offer is on the table for Barkley now that his rights are secured via the tag, and it was reported earlier this week that "the Giants don’t have much of an interest in signing" the 26-year-old to a long-term contract because they feel "the franchise tag is a good deal" regarding their plans for the upcoming season and beyond. 

For what it is worth, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. wrote in a mock draft shared on Tuesday that "people keep telling me Robinson won't last into the 20s" of the overall draft picks because "he's that good." Only one of six CBS Sports analysts currently predict Robinson will get to the Giants at choice No. 25. 

Fox Sports NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano and Patricia Traina of FanNation's Giants Country are among insiders who have said that "no camp holdout is expected" as it pertains to Barkley. Brookover sounds convinced Barkley should make the right business decision and sign the tag so he can participate when the club's voluntary offseason workouts begin this coming Monday.