Daniel Jones will determine whether Saquon Barkley remains in New York

After three subpar seasons in New York, Daniel Jones burst out in 2022, leading the Giants to their first postseason victory since Super Bowl XLVI. Jones posted a 60.8 QBR last fall, the sixth-highest in the NFL, putting him in line for a big payday this offseason.

It is widely expected that Jones will return to the Giants in 2023. During the NFL combine, Giants general manager Joe Schoen was asked if he has any doubt that Jones would be New York’s quarterback next season. He responded with a firm, “No.”

“Some around the league expect this to be a four-year deal in excess of $160 million, though parameters are still fluid,” ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported. 

A contract of that magnitude would hand Jones $40 million a season. That figure would tie Matthew Stafford and Dak Prescott for the seventh-highest average annual value among quarterbacks. 

If the Giants are able to re-sign Jones before Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline, it could result in another Giants star returning.

“The Giants will franchise-tag Barkley at $10.1 million should they reach a long-term deal with Jones,” Fowler said.

Franchise-tagging Barkley could prove to be a very smart decision by Schoen. Barkley is one of the NFL’s most dynamic players but has managed to stay healthy in just two of his five NFL seasons. If Barkley is tagged on Tuesday but produces another Pro Bowl season in 2023, the Giants can give him a lucrative extenstion next offseason when they have more cap flexibility.

If the Giants and Jones fail to reach a long-term agreement before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. EST franchise tag deadline, it would likely spell the end of Barkley’s tenure in New York.

“If the tag is needed for Jones, then Barkley will likely hit the open market,” The Athletic's Dan Duggan reported. “Even if Barkley’s asking price isn’t met by other teams, it’s hard to imagine him re-signing with the Giants if he hits the open market.”

Tuesday will be one of the most important days in Giants history. If Jones re-signs, Barkley will be back. If Jones is franchised, the Giants will be left with an unhappy quarterback and no star running back.