New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Report reveals franchise tag updates for Giants' Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/21/23

It appears the New York Giants are not panicking about the futures of quarterback Daniel Jones and star running back Saquon Barkley.

As shared by Mike Chiari of Bleacher Report, ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington explained during Tuesday's edition of "Get Up" that the Giants want to sign both Jones and Barkley to long-term contracts and avoid having to use the franchise tag on either pending free agent.

Darlington's update comes after it was learned that Jones changed agents and it was reported that the 25-year-old could be looking for a deal worth "as much as $45 million per year." While Darlington added the Giants are going "back to square one" with Jones due to his switch, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post insisted that "the odds remain high that Jones and the Giants will come to an agreement" before the March 7 deadline for teams to use their franchise tags.

Darlington did say that a "clear gap" exists between what the Giants want to pay Barkley and what the camp for the 26-year-old hopes to land this offseason. Last week, ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported that a source told him "the belief is if the two sides meet at $14 million per year, a deal could get done" as it pertains to the Giants keeping Barkley. However, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is among those who assume the Giants will save the franchise tag for Jones, if necessary, even if doing so results in Barkley hitting the open market when the new league year opens in March.

The franchise tag for a quarterback could cost the Giants around $32.4 million for 2023. That same tag is at approximately $10.1 million for a running back.

Darlington indicated Big Blue won't use the tag on either Jones or Barkley any time soon.

As the franchise tag window opens, I’m told the Giants want Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley back in 2023 — but would like to reach long-term deals with both. If they apply the tag to either, it won’t be until closer to March 7 deadline to allow for time to negotiate with both.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) February 21, 2023

It's understandable Giants fans are stressing considering Jones enjoyed a breakout season under first-year head coach Brian Daboll and Barkley is the team's top offensive play-maker. Per ESPN stats, Barkley finished the 2022 season fourth in the NFL with 1,312 rushing yards and ninth with 10 touchdowns on the ground. He also contributed 57 catches for 338 yards.

For now, though, it sounds like the belief is the Giants will ultimately hold on to both Jones and Barkley for at least another year.

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