Insider offers contract updates on Giants' Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones

It appears that running back Saquon Barkley signing with the New York Giants sooner than later would go a long way toward keeping him together with quarterback Daniel Jones. 

ESPN's Jordan Raanan offered updates on both potential free agents for a piece published Thursday. Raanan noted about Barkley that a source said "the belief is if the two sides meet at $14 million per year, a deal could get done" before free agency opens next month. Raanan added that Giants co-owner John Mara "understands Barkley's value" to the organization on and off the field and that "Barkley's personal team, especially his business manager, is also close with co-owner Steve Tisch." 

The franchise tag for a running back is set to cost roughly $10.1 million for 2023. While Raanan reported that "Barkley's teammates seem to think the Giants will reward their star running back," the 26-year-old hinted following the playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that he could give New York at least somewhat of a hometown discount. 

Spotrac estimates Barkley’s market value is an average annual salary of over $12.3 million per season on a four-year agreement. 

As for Jones, Raanan reported that the Giants "would like to get a long-term deal done" with the 25-year-old and that sources believe Jones' second pro contract "will come in at over $35 million per season." SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes reported on Feb. 6 that "two executives familiar with the quarterback market" believe Jones' value is around $35-$37 million per year. 

The franchise tag for a quarterback is roughly $32.4 million for next season, and the Giants have from Feb. 21 to March 7 to use that asset on either Barkley or Jones. There is currently no sign that Giants general manager Joe Schoen will let Jones hit the open market in March, and multiple reports from the past two weeks have suggested Barkley signing a new contract with the team that drafted him second overall in 2018 is merely a formality. 

With all that said, Giants fans will truly only breathe a little easier once the club announces a deal for at least one of its top two offensive playmakers.