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"We don't want to do it. In a perfect world, we
don't want to do that again," Schoen said.
The free agent market might not produce a massive payday based
on the apparent devaluation of the running back position. The
unrestricted free agent market at running back includes Josh
Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders) and Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys),
who were also tagged in 2023, plus Derrick Henry (Tennessee
Titans) and Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers).
Being tagged in 2023 irked Barkley, 27, who since made it clear
he felt the Giants were disloyal by not making a long-term
commitment. After totaling a career-high 1,312 rushing yards in
16 games in 2022, Barkley settled for an adjusted one-year
tender offer for the 2023 season. But he skipped voluntary exit
interviews with head coach Brian Daboll under an "open door"
policy and said he was "numb" to the business side of the NFL.
Schoen said last week the Giants met with Barkley's new agent
during the combine and expressed optimism about coming to an
agreement with the two-time Pro Bowl selection.
"I think we've all grown -- Saquon, myself, the organization,
through the last 12, 13, 14 months," Schoen said, noting that
Barkley's new agent, Ed Berry, is someone with whom they have a
"really good" relationship. "Saquon may be in a different place
now than he was then in terms of understanding the market and
the business side of it. I'm looking forward to having those
conversations with him."
Drafted by the Giants with the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft,
Barkley started all 14 games he played in last season, rushing
for 962 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught 41 passes for
280 yards and four scores.
In six seasons with the Giants, Barkley has rushed for 5,211
yards and 35 touchdowns on 1,201 carries in 74 games (all
starts). He also has 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12
touchdowns.
--Field Level Media
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