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INDIANAPOLIS — The Giants planned conservatively, as Joe Schoen tends to do.
So, when the email hit his inbox, informing the general manager of a league-wide cap of $255 million, he was pleasantly surprised. That was almost $13 million more than expected, which meant more room to trade for players, sign players, or, even, keep those he already has.
The Giants seemed unlikely to use the franchise tag before. But now, Schoen said from the 2024 NFL Combine, things have changed. This boosted team cap added that tool back to their disposal. He and his staff will reconvene here in Indianapolis to discuss if using it makes sense — specifically on running back Saquon Barkley.
“I wouldn’t say the franchise tag is off the table,” Schoen said.
OK, well, in this case, it probably should be.
The Giants and Barkley are set to dance again, albeit this time with the running back’s new representation, Ed Berry, whom Schoen said he has a good relationship with. They hoped to get a deal done last offseason. They hit Barkley with the tag to buy more time to talk. Schoen even came out of his comfort zone to nearly $24 million guaranteed in hopes that could get it done before their deadline. It didn’t. So, Barkley played on the tag.
Rarely do teams get back to the negotiating table after that. Yet, even after all the sometimes-ugly back-and-forth, Schoen and Co. continue to stress they want Barkley to remain in New York. There’s no ill will from Barkley, either, who routinely preaches his desire to join Eli Manning and others as a “Giant for life.” So, here we go again.
“I think we’ve all grown,” Schoen said. “Saquon, myself, the organization through the last 12, 13, 14 months.”
Not so much if the tag, which would pay Barkley roughly $12 million, is back in play.
Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) gives the game ball to a young fan after scoring his second touchdown of the game during the first half against…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/even-larger-expected-salary-cap-222358039.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-02-27 22:23:58
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