HEADLINES

Saquon Barkley

RBs A Priority For Ravens In Offseason

March 1st, 2024 at 7:04pm CST by Ely Allen

We noted something similar back in February, but the Ravens have made it clear lately that additions to the running backs group will be a priority in the offseason. Whether that comes through re-signing expiring deals, signing veteran free agents, or pursuing a rookie prospect, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic’s quote from general manager Eric DeCosta says it best: (they) need more than two running backs.

The Ravens have lots of work to do in the coming weeks with expiring contracts all over their 2023 roster, but DeCosta is fully aware of which potential departures leave them most bare. Both former undrafted veteran Gus Edwards and former second-round pick J.K. Dobbins are set to hit free agency this spring, as will late-season addition Dalvin Cook and practice squad backs Melvin Gordon and Owen Wright, though Wright, an undrafted rookie, has signed a futures deal with the team. That leaves only Justice Hill and another undrafted rookie in Keaton Mitchell as the only two running backs with in-game experience on the roster moving forward.

Hill signed a two-year deal a year ago and will now play out the final season of that contract. He had the best season of his career in 2023 but has still failed to surpass 400 rushing yards or 4 touchdowns in a season. He expanded his role this year by adding 206 receiving yards. Mitchell was a pleasant surprise as a rookie, touting an outstanding 8.43 yards per carry average in eight games played. The diminutive back flashed elite speed and play-making ability when healthy, but a torn ACL midway through December leaves the team without their explosive second-year player for likely the entire offseason.

In our previous discussion on the subject, we laid out the cases for Dobbins and Edwards. Dobbins showed incredible upside as a rookie but has since struggled mightily to stay on the field. Edwards had been a reliable short-yardage and goal-line back in the early days of Jackson’s career, backing up Mark Ingram before teaming up with Dobbins and Hill. The big-bodied back with the nickname “Gus the Bus” has six years under his belt but showed no signs of slowing with a career-high 990 scrimmage yards and 13 rushing touchdowns this season. At the NFL scouting combine DeCosta made it known that the organization has not shut the door on the idea of bringing the two back. In fact, DeCosta claimed the team was “hopeful (they) can get something done with those guys,” per Ravens staff writers Clifton Brown and Ryan Mink.

We also explored the idea of free agency in our previous post. There are a number of big names hitting the open market this offseason, and Baltimore has already been connected to a few. Titans bell-cow Derrick Henry has been linked to the team since the days of the trade deadline. Other notable names like the Giants’ Saquon Barkley, the Raiders’ Josh Jacobs, and the Cowboys’ Tony Pollard have been mentioned, as well.

In the draft, there a couple intriguing names to look at like Michigan rusher Blake Corum or Texas running back Jonathon Brooks, but Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen is a name that has been making the rounds in Baltimore. If the team fails to sign any of the above veterans, expect the Ravens to pursue one of these players early in the draft. If a big name puts pen to paper, though, Baltimore will likely be content to take a late-round addition or even peruse the undrafted dregs once again.

Regardless, additions are going to be necessary in 2024. Especially with Mitchell coming back from a serious injury, the team can’t well expect to find success with only him, Hill, and Wright heading into the 2024 NFL season. Whether they bring back Edwards or Dobbins, sign a big-name in free agency like Henry or Barkley, or draft a high-end prospect, somebody will have to join the three currently in the running backs room.

Giants, Saquon Barkley Resume Contract Talks

March 1st, 2024 at 9:43am CST by Adam La Rose

For the time being, Saquon Barkley remains on track for free agency. He would be be one of several veterans available on the open market, but a Giants agreement is still a possibility.

Player and team resumed contract talks earlier this week during the Combine, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports. That falls in line with the previously-established plan for both sides in particular and common practice in general around the NFL when it comes to negotiations with pending free agents. Anderson adds that the meeting is believed to have gone well.

Upon the opening of the franchise tag window, the expectation was New York would steer clear of placing the one-year tender on Barkley for a second straight season. When speaking on the subject at the Combine, however, Giants general manager Joe Schoen confirmed that all options – including a second tag – were still on the table. As a result, Barkley may not join a slew of other veteran backs (a list which also features 2023 tag recipients Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard) in reaching the open market later this month.

The Giants have until March 5 to apply a second tag, which would cost $12.1MM. With the 2024 salary cap checking in at a higher figure than teams anticipated, absorbing an eight-figure commitment at the RB position would be less cumbersome that New York first thought. The team has a number of other offseason matters to sort out, though, including an agreement with safety Xavier McKinney. A transition tag has been floated as a possibility in the latter’s case, but using it would prevent the Giants from being able to tag Barkley.

The Texans have emerged as a team to watch on the running back market this offseason, and Barkley reportedly has his eyes on a deal sending him to Houston. Such a move will not be possible if a Giants agreement is reached or the franchise tag winds up being used once again, though. New York’s efforts to retain the two-time Pro Bowler will remain a key storyline in the coming days, and the tag would create an extended window to continue negotiating well into the summer. That wound up being the case last offseason with no accord being struck; it will be interesting to see if 2024 produces a different outcome.

Texans Saquon Barkley’s Preferred Destination?

February 29th, 2024 at 10:18pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Texans are among the teams to watch on the running back front, and a they will have no shortage of options to choose from in free agency. Several accomplished producers at the position are on track to be available, and Houston could be well-positioned for a splashy addition.

After ranking 22nd in the league in rushing (97 yards per game), improvement in that area is an obvious need. The Texans are flush with cap space, so they could benefit from the crop of available rushers set to reach the open market. Houston has been linked to a RB pursuit in general, but one notable name has emerged which would certainly represent a buzz-worthy move.

Saquon Barkley has “targeted the Texans as his top potential destination,” KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports. Barkley has also been in communication with reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, Wilson adds. The Giants made the unsurprising move of franchise-tagging Barkley last offseason, and doing so again is still on the table. Talks on a New York extension are ongoing as well, meaning the former No. 2 pick might not reach free agency.

In the event he did, however, Houston would represent an attractive destination. Stroud’s rookie campaign helped guide the team to the divisional round of the playoffs, and he is surrounded by a relatively young skill-position corps which would allow for a big-money investment on the market. With three 1,000-yard seasons to his name, Barkley would provide a dynamic element to the Texans’ ground game.

Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post confirms the expectation around the league is that general manager Nick Caserio will be a central player in the RB market this offseason. Caserio has a background with the Patriots, a team which has traditionally avoided making sizable investments in veteran backs. A shift in philosophy would thus come as a surprise, although an upgrade at the position would likely go a long way in ensuring the team can repeat its success on offense from 2023.

“What do I think is going to happen?” Caserio said (via Wilson) when speaking about a potential running back addition. “We’re all going to find out. Free agency, it’s what does the market tell you? And then any player, what are you willing to pay that player commensurate with their role?”

Barkley would be far from the only high-profile back the Texans could show interest in. Fellow 2023 franchise tag recipients Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard on set to reach free agency; the same is also true of Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler. Among the pending free agents at the position is Devin Singletary, who joined the Texans last offseason on a one-year, $2.75MM deal.

Wilson reports there is a mutual interest between team and player for a new Singletary pact to be worked out. Such a development (coupled with the continued presence of 2022 fourth-rounder Dameon Pierce) would likely lessen the chances of a Barkley pursuit. Still, it is notable the latter has his eyes on a Houston arrangement while his Giants future remains in flux.

Giants GM: Saquon Barkley Tag Still In Play

February 28th, 2024 at 10:15am CST by Sam Robinson

Before the $255.4MM salary cap became a reality, a report indicated the Giants were highly unlikely to use their franchise tag on Saquon Barkley a second time. A subsequent rumor about an Xavier McKinney transition tag surfaced, injecting more intrigue into this situation.

But the cap came in about $10MM north of the Giants’ expectations. Considering the cost of tagging Barkley a second time ($12.1MM), the cap spike could play a key role in extending this long-running relationship. Though, Barkley still has a good chance of hitting the market for the first time.

[RELATED: Examining Statuses Of 2023 Franchise-Tagged RBs]

Schoen said (via the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz) the Giants would like to have Barkley back in 2024 and added a tag is “not off the table,” though the third-year GM noted the goal would be to reach a deal with the Pro Bowl running back without using the tag. Teams regularly aim for this resolution, as it avoids a cap hold hitting a payroll before free agency.

Barkley may well be the top back available this offseason, should no tag commence, as neither the Raiders (Josh Jacobs) nor Cowboys (Tony Pollard) are planning second tag efforts at RB. Of course, the presences of Jacobs, Pollard, Austin Ekeler, Derrick Henry, D’Andre Swift and the Ravens’ Gus Edwards–J.K. Dobbins pair stand to dilute the market and work against Barkley, who played on a $10.1MM tag last season. The Bengals may also send Joe Mixon to the market, further crowding a pool that features higher-profile talent compared to last year’s deep RB free agent crop.

As of now, it appears the influx of cap space will “not greatly affect” how the Giants proceed with Barkley, Schwartz notes. The Giants and Barkley have engaged in on-and-off negotiations since November 2022. The sides came close on a deal last July, but as the team increased its guarantee to approximately $22MM, it reduced the offer’s base salary south of $12MM. That prompted Barkley to pass and play on the tag. He can begin speaking to other teams for the first time when the legal tampering period begins March 11.

“I wouldn’t say his value has changed, especially to the organization,’’ Schoen said. “He’s a captain; he’s a leader; he’s a hard worker. I think the world of Saquon, and I still think he can play. Unfortunately throughout the process starting back in November of 2022, we weren’t able to come to an agreement in terms of where we were for where a deal made sense. We’ll circle back again.”

The Giants are expected to make the two-time Pro Bowler an offer soon, and it will be interesting to see if it rivals what they proposed in July. Additionally, Schwartz notes Roc Nation’s Kim Miale, Barkley’s former agent, is not part of these negotiations. Barkley had brought CAA’s Edward Berry into the picture just before the 2023 tag extension deadline; Berry is now the RB’s lead representative.

As for McKinney, Schoen indicated (via Schwartz) talks have not begun. The sides will begin talking Friday in Indianapolis, when the safety’s agent arrives. McKinney will be one of the top DBs available, and the cap spike will certainly help him. It would cost the Giants $13.82MM to use the transition tag on McKinney, who will not turn 25 until August. Only four players have been transition-tagged over the past 10 years; teams are not entitled to any compensation if they fail to match an offer sheet for a transition-tagged player.

Examining Statuses Of 2023 RB Franchise Tag Recipients

February 23rd, 2024 at 9:02pm CST by Adam La Rose

One of the key talking points during the 2023 offseason was the continued downward slide of the running back market. High-profile players at the position met to discuss the matter, but to little surprise those efforts did not yield a firm plan for the future.

Three backs were hit with the franchise tag last spring: Saquon Barkley (Giants), Josh Jacobs (Raiders) and Tony Pollard (Cowboys). The latter quickly decided to sign his one-year tender, but the other two took until well past the deadline for extensions to be worked out for their immediate futures to become clear. Both Barkley, and later Jacobs, agreed to one-year pacts worth a higher maximum value than those of the tags. Now, all three face the prospect of a second tag or – far more likely – a trip to free agency.

With the RB market set to feature a longer list of names in 2024 than it did last offseason, teams will have a number of experienced options to choose from. An evaluation of each ’23 tag recipient’s performance this past year will no doubt be a key factor in determining the value for Barkley, Jacobs and Pollard. Here is a side-by-side look at each back’s production in 2022 compared to their totals while playing on the tag (or one-year equivalent):

Saquon Barkley (Age in Week 1: 27)

2022 (16 games): 18.4 carries per game, 1,312 yards, 10 touchdowns (57-338 receiving statline)
2023 (14 games): 17.6 carries per game, 962 yards, six touchdowns (41-280-4 receiving)

The Giants ran up against the 2023 tag deadline needing to find a way forward with both Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones. The four-year, $160MM commitment made to the latter allowed the tag to be used on the former, despite his track record as the focal point of New York’s offense when healthy. Barkley missed time in 2023 due to an ankle injury, and the Giants underperformed with and without him during a forgettable campaign. Still, New York’s offense will be lacking in playmakers even if Barkley is retained for 2024.

A trip to free agency is now expected, though, something the former No. 2 pick has publicly welcomed. No doors have been shut with respect to a Giants agreement being reached, but few circumstances (if any) have tangibly changed compared to last year. New York made a series of offers with an inversely proportional relationship between AAV and guaranteed figures during last offseason’s negotiations and a different approach this time around would come as a surprise.

Barkley out-rushed backup Matt Breida by 811 yards, so his departure would create a massive void at the RB spot. The Giants are likely to use the No. 6 pick in April’s draft on a much-needed offensive playmaker or a Jones successor, and either move will help their outlook in the passing game. The ground attack would face serious questions without Barkley in the fold or an impactful replacement, although one could be acquired in a more cost-effective manner through the draft or a short-term veteran addition. Barkley’s pedigree could make him the most attractive free agent running back option in 2024, and it would be interesting to see how willing New York would be to win a bidding war.

Josh Jacobs (Age in Week 1: 26)

2022 (17 games): 20 carries per game, 1,653 yards, 12 touchdowns (53-400 receiving)
2023 (13 games): 17.9 carries per game, 805 yards, six touchdowns (37-296 receiving)

Jacobs led the NFL in touches during the only full season with Josh McDaniels at the helm. That resulted in league-leading rushing and scrimmage yard totals, but the Alabama product saw a downturn in usage on the ground and in the air when on the field in 2023. His missed the final four games of the campaign, a span during which McDaniels’ replacement (Antonio Pierce) helped his case to have the interim head coach label removed.

Pierce is indeed in place on a full-time basis, something Jacobs and a number of other players endorsed. Vegas is willing to explore a deal with the two-time Pro Bowler, but the price point will be worth watching with respect to new general manager Tom Telesco. The latter was in charge of a Chargers regime which allowed Austin Ekeler to seek out a trade in lieu of extending him. Ekeler joined Barkley and Jacobs in agreeing to a re-worked pact last offseason which has him in line for free agency this March. Telesco could be inclined to repeat his aversion to a long-term RB commitment in Jacobs’ case.

The Raiders have a potential Jacobs replacement in the form of Zamir White. The 2022 fourth-rounder averaged 4.1 yards per carry this season, and he eclipsed 100 rushing yards in two of the four games Jacobs missed to finish the campaign. White has two years remaining on his rookie contract, so placing him atop the depth chart and drafting another member of the backfield would be a more cost-effective direction to take. Vegas is expected to pursue a quarterback addition, something which could require cap resources otherwise available to Jacobs if it takes the form of a free agent signing or trade acquisition.

Tony Pollard (Age in Week 1: 27)

2022 (16 games): 12.2 carries per game, 1,007 yards, nine touchdowns (39-371-3 receiving)
2023 (17 games): 14.8 carries per game, 1,005 yards, six touchdowns (55-311 receiving)

As expected, the Cowboys moved on from Ezekiel Elliott once no guaranteed salary remained on his deal. That paved the way for Pollard to take on an undisputed No. 1 role in 2023, as showcased by his increased touches. The Memphis alum’s efficiency suffered a notable drop, though; his 4.0 yards per carry in 2023 represented the lowest of his career. With questions in place regarding Pollard’s production as a full-time starter, a lucrative deal would increase expectations in his production further while complicating an already unenviable cap situation.

Dallas’ offseason will be defined in large part by the team’s ability to work out a Dak Prescott extension. The veteran quarterback possess extraordinary leverage in advance of negotiations on a pact both sides are eager to hammer out. The Cowboys will likely also need to prepare market-setting extensions for wideout CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons over the next two years, and re-signing Pollard would hinder those efforts. Allowing him to depart would create a major vacancy in the backfield, though.

Pollard and second-leading rusher Rico Dowdle (361 yards) are both pending free agents. The leading Cowboys rusher amongst RBs who are under contract for next season is Deuce Vaughn, who received only 23 carries as a rookie. Pollard has considerably more tread left on his tires than Barkley, Jacobs and a number of other free agent backs due to his time as Elliott’s backup. That (coupled with the lack of an obvious successor) could help his value and his effort to secure longer term on his next contact, albeit something which will come off the back of a relatively underwhelming year. At any rate, a tag for Pollard or any other Cowboy would come as a surprise.

The 2023 franchise tag cost $10.1MM at the running back position. In the case of Pollard and Barkley (whose one-year deal contained incentives paired with an identical base value), a second tag would cost $12.1MM. For Jacobs – who landed a slightly higher salary on his contract – a 2024 tag would check in at a price of $13.67MM.

Considering the performances of each member of the trio, their respective teams could aim to take another route this offseason and likely save considerable cap space in the process. Given the nature of their statistical showings, hesitancy on the part of interested teams with respect to a new agreement after another season of wear and tear would also be understandable. Further hurting the market for Barkley, Jacobs and Pollard is the depth of other veteran rushers set to be available.

Ekeler, along with two-time rushing champion Derrick Henry, is a pending free agent. The same is also true of 25-year-olds J.K. Dobbins and D’Andre Swift, who have each played out their rookie contracts and could profile as having higher upside given their age. While this year’s draft class is not viewed as having a plethora of impact prospects, recent history has shown teams can find production after Day 1 when looking to avoid expensive commitments at the position. For Barkley, Jacobs and Pollard, those factors will likely make it a challenge to secure multiple years of guaranteed money on their next pacts, regardless of where they come from.

Giants Considering Transition-Tagging S Xavier McKinney

February 21st, 2024 at 9:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

Unlikely to pull the trigger on a second Saquon Barkley franchise tag, the Giants are considering a more creative solution in an effort to retain their other top free agent.

A belief within the organization points to another agreement with Xavier McKinney being a better investment compared to paying a seventh-year running back, according to the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz. As Barkley seems to be a diminishing priority within the Giants’ power structure compared to 2023, McKinney’s stock may be rising.

[RELATED: 2024 NFL Franchise Tag Candidates]

Although the team is unlikely to use the franchise tag to retain McKinney, Schwartz indicates the lesser-used transition tag is a possibility to prevent the safety from testing free agency. The safety transition tag is still expected to be costlier than a second Barkley tag, being projected (per OverTheCap) at $13.9MM. After losing Julian Love last year, the Giants look to be exploring all avenues regarding McKinney. The latter was a consideration in the Love talks.

Unlike the franchise tag, teams receive no compensation if they fail to match an offer sheet for a transition-tagged player. The non-exclusive franchise tag mandates two first-round picks come back in the event of an unmatched offer sheet. If a team does not match an offer for a transition-tagged player, it simply loses the player. Teams have until March 5 to apply tags. Only one tag is available to a team each offseason.

Only four teams have used the transition tag over the past decade. The Dolphins (Charles Clay, 2015), Bears (Kyle Fuller, 2018) and Cardinals (Kenyan Drake, 2020) have applied the tag. A fourth transition tag development did affect the Giants in 2016. The Dolphins did use the transition tag on Olivier Vernon, but they rescinded it. That led to Vernon signing a monster Giants pact during an offseason that featured pricey Big Blue upgrades on defense. Of this group, only Drake ended up playing that season on the tag. The Dolphins’ GM when they transition-tagged Clay, Dennis Hickey now resides in the Giants’ front office.

Barring an offer sheet, the Giants would carry that estimated $13.9MM number on their cap sheet this year. They would have until mid-July to negotiate an extension. McKinney being prioritized over Barkley would continue a trend of other Dave Gettleman-era investments being viewed as better assets; GM Joe Schoen has given Daniel Jones, Dexter Lawrence and Andrew Thomas lucrative second contracts. Barkley joins McKinney in being weeks away from free agency. Players can begin negotiating with other teams March 11.

Proclaiming he is the NFL’s most complete safety, McKinney does not sound like a player who would be willing to make a deal without testing the market. The sides had started negotiations on an extension, but talks were ultimately tabled to 2024. It is also unclear if much negotiating transpired last year. Time is running out for the Giants, who have made a habit of moving on from safety regulars in recent years. In addition to letting Love walk — after months of negotiations — the Giants allowed Jabrill Peppers to leave in 2022, the same offseason in which the Schoen regime cut Logan Ryan. The Giants also did not re-sign Landon Collins when he became a free agent in 2019; the ex-second-rounder scored a then-record-setting deal in free agency.

“I want to be appreciated in every way for what I do and bring to the table. As a player and as a leader,” McKinney posted on X recently. “I’ve stood by myself ten toes through the critics, the hate etc. sacrificing what those around me didn’t want too or were afraid too for those same people to make it a better situation for all of us. May not always have been beneficial for me but it was for US. Don’t let that go over your head . And I’d do it 10 times over again.”

Last year, only one free agent safety — Jessie Bates — signed a deal worth more than $8MM per annum. The Giants obviously believe McKinney is in position to do better than last year’s second-tier safeties did. Grant Delpit also signed an extension in between these ranges, inking a $12MM-per-year accord with the Browns during the season. That only ties for 11th in terms of AAV at the position; McKinney will undoubtedly aim higher, which could set up another months-long Giants offseason negotiation.

Pro Football Focus graded McKinney, 24, as its No. 4 overall safety last season. The former second-round pick intercepted three passes, forced a fumble and tallied a career-high 116 tackles in his contract year. The Alabama alum did criticize the Giants’ coaching staff for a perceived lack of leadership last season, and he missed extensive time due to injuries in 2020 and ’22 — the latter due to an ATV accident.

McKinney may not be the safest bet, but he will be a high-level free agent soon. The Giants are planning last-ditch negotiations, but it may take a tag to ensure he stays in 2024.

2024 NFL Franchise Tag Candidates

February 20th, 2024 at 10:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

A valuable tool for teams to keep top free agents off the market, the franchise tag has been in existence since 1993. This week brought the opening of the 2024 tag window. Clubs have until 3pm CT on March 5 to apply tags. As the Giants’ situation showed last year, most of the tag-related business comes near the close of this window. Teams will continue to work toward re-signing their respective tag candidates, thus preventing a lofty franchise tender from hitting their cap sheet.

The legal tampering period opens March 11, with the new league year (and official free agency) starting March 13. Once a player is tagged, he has until July 15 to sign an extension with his respective team. Absent an extension agreement by that date, the player must play the 2023 season on the tag (or go the Le’Veon Bell/Dan Williams/Sean Gilbert route, passing on guaranteed money and skipping the season).

High-profile free agents remain weeks away from hitting the market. As PFR’s tag recipients list shows, a handful of players are prevented from taking their services to free agency each year. This year looks to present a few more tag candidates compared to 2023. With a handful of teams determining if they will need to use the tag to prevent a free agency path, here are the players who figure to be tagged or at least generate conversations about being franchised ahead of the March 5 deadline:

Locks

Josh Allen, OLB (Jaguars)
Tag cost: $24MM

GM Trent Baalke did not leave much suspense when he addressed Allen’s future last month. The veteran exec said the 2019 first-round pick will be a Jaguar in 2024, indicating the team would use its franchise tag if necessary. The Jaguars do have Calvin Ridley as a free agent, but the team would owe the Falcons a 2024 second-round pick if it extended the wide receiver’s contract before the start of the league year. The second pick sent to Atlanta will only be a third-rounder if Jacksonville lets Ridley hit free agency. It makes more sense for Jacksonville to circle back to Ridley after allowing him to test the market. An Allen tag effectively ensures that will happen.

Timing his sack breakthrough well, Allen registered a Jags-record 17.5 during his contract year. The five-year Jaguar has combined for 55 QB hits over the past two seasons and ranks top 10 in pressures over the past three. The tag regularly keeps top edge rushers from hitting free agency, and the 26-year-old pass rusher — while obviously wanting to be paid what he’s worth — expressed a desire to stay in Jacksonville long term.

The Jags have regularly unholstered their tag during the 2020s, cuffing Yannick Ngakoue in 2020 and then keeping Cam Robinson off the 2021 and ’22 markets. The team kept Evan Engram out of free agency last year. Robinson signed an extension in 2022, and the Jags re-upped Engram last July. The Ngakoue situation could be notable, as the edge rusher became disgruntled with the Jags and was eventually traded to the Vikings that summer. No signs of that level of trouble are brewing with Allen yet.

Jaylon Johnson, CB (Bears)
Tag cost: $19.8MM

Johnson is likely to become the first franchise-tagged cornerback since the Rams kept Trumaine Johnson off the 2017 market. The Bears are the most recent team to tag a corner, using the transition tag to cuff Kyle Fuller in 2018. They will almost definitely follow suit with Johnson, who has been rumored to be tagged for several weeks. A Ryan Pace-era draftee, Johnson expressed his desire to stay with the Bears ahead of his contract year. With that platform campaign producing some twists and turns, that price has gone up significantly.

After unsuccessful in-season extension talks, the Bears gave Johnson an 11th-hour opportunity to gauge his trade value. The Bears did not alert teams Johnson, 24, was available until the night before the Oct. 31 deadline. Although the Bills and 49ers engaged in talks about a trade, the Bears held out for a first- or second-round pick. Nothing materialized, which will likely come up during the team’s talks with Johnson. The Bears then extended trade pickup Montez Sweat, leaving Johnson in limbo. But the former second-round pick stuck the landing on an impact season. He is firmly in the Bears’ plans, and the team holds more than $66MM in cap space — plenty to squeeze in a tag onto the payroll.

Pro Football Focus’ top-graded corner in 2023, Johnson displayed a new gear that has made him worthy of a tag. Finishing with four interceptions and allowing just a 50.9 passer rating as the closest defender, the Utah alum soared to second-team All-Pro status. The Bears, who last used the tag on Allen Robinson in 2021, made no secret of their interest in retaining Johnson and will have a few more months to negotiate with him as a result of the tag.

Likely tag recipients

Brian Burns, OLB (Panthers)
Projected tag cost: $24MM

The Panthers hiring a new GM and head coach classifies this as just short of a lock, but familiar faces remain. Carolina promoted assistant general manager Dan Morgan to GM and blocked DC Ejiro Evero from departing. Burns has been viewed as a likely tag recipient since last season, after negotiations broke down. The Panthers have not offered a negotiating masterclass here, as Burns has been extension-eligible since the 2022 offseason. Since-fired GM Scott Fitterer had viewed Burns as a re-up candidate for two offseasons, but multiple rounds of trade talks boosted the 2019 first-rounder’s leverage.

In what looks like a mistake, the Panthers passed on a Rams offer that included two first-rounders and a third for Burns at the 2022 trade deadline. Carolina then kept Burns out of 2023 trade talks with Chicago about the No. 1 pick, ultimately sending D.J. Moore to the Windy City for the Bryce Young draft slot. Carolina also kept Burns at the 2023 deadline, as teams looked into the top pass rusher on the NFL’s worst team. Burns also saw his position’s market change via Nick Bosa‘s record-setting extension ($34MM per year). The 49ers’ landmark accord came to pass after Burns had set a $30MM-AAV price point, complicating Morgan’s upcoming assignment.

Burns, 25, has registered at least 7.5 sacks in each of his five seasons. While he has only topped nine in a season once (2022), the two-time Pro Bowler is one of the league’s better edge rushers. Given the Panthers’ history with Burns, it would be borderline shocking to see the team allow the Florida State alum to leave in exchange for merely a third-round compensatory pick.

Burns has said he wants to stay with the Panthers; he is unlikely to have a choice this year. The Panthers last used the tag to keep right tackle Taylor Moton off the market in 2021; the sides agreed to an extension that offseason.

Tee Higgins, WR (Bengals)
Tag cost: $21.82MM

Seeing their hopes of capitalizing on the final year of Higgins’ rookie contract dashed due to Joe Burrow‘s season-ending injury, the Bengals look to be giving strong consideration to keeping the Burrow-Higgins-Ja’Marr Chase trio together for one last ride of sorts. The Bengals hold $59.4MM in cap space — fifth-most currently — and structured Burrow’s extension in a way that makes a Higgins tag palatable. Burrow’s deal does not spike into historic cap territory until 2025.

While a future in which Chase and Higgins are signed long term is more difficult to foresee, the Bengals still carry one of the AFC’s best rosters. It is likely Burrow’s top two weapons remain in the fold for at least one more year. Higgins, 25, did not come close to posting a third straight 1,000-yard season. Burrow’s injury had plenty to do with that, though the former second-round pick started slowly. A Bengals 2023 extension offer underwhelmed Higgins, but the Bengals kept him out of trades. A tag will give Cincinnati the option to rent him for 2024. A tag-and-trade transaction is viewed as unlikely, as the Bengals load up again.

How the organization proceeds beyond 2024 will be a key storyline, but the Bengals — who kept Jessie Bates in similar fashion in 2022 — are positioned well to run back perhaps the NFL’s best receiving tandem. While director of player personnel Duke Tobin stopped short of guaranteeing Higgins will be a Bengal in 2024, signs point to it.

Justin Madubuike, DL (Ravens)
Tag cost: $22.1MM

Seeing their defensive coordinator depart and once again facing questions at outside linebacker, the Ravens have the option of keeping their top 2023 pass rusher off the market. They are probably going to take that route. Madubuike raised his price considerably during an impact contract year, leading the Ravens with 13 sacks. While Mike Macdonald was able to coax surprising seasons from late additions Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, Madubuike drove Baltimore’s defensive engine and will likely be guaranteed a high salary by signing his franchise tender.

Perennially interested in hoarding compensatory picks, the Ravens have regularly let breakthrough pass rushers walk in free agency. This dates back to the likes of Paul Kruger and Pernell McPhee and subsequently included Za’Darius Smith and Matt Judon. The Ravens have only been able to replace Judon with stopgap options — from Clowney to Van Noy to Justin Houston — and again must figure out a solution alongside Odafe Oweh on the edge. Madubuike, 26, proved too good to let walk; the former third-round pick will once again be expected to anchor Baltimore’s pass rush in 2024.

Antoine Winfield Jr., S (Buccaneers)
Tag cost: $17.12MM

We mentioned Winfield as the Bucs’ most likely tag recipient around the midseason point, and signs now point to that reality coming to pass. The Bucs want to re-sign Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans. The bounce-back quarterback’s tender price would check in at nearly $36MM, and because Evans was attached to a veteran contract, his tag number would come in well north of Higgins’ — at beyond $28MM. As such, the Bucs cuffing Winfield has always made the most sense, and after the second-generation NFL DB’s dominant contract year, it would be stunning to see the team let him walk.

The Bucs have let their recent top free agents test free agency, only to re-sign Shaquil Barrett (2021), Carlton Davis (2022) and Jamel Dean (2023). Winfield may be on a higher plane, having secured first-team All-Pro acclaim last season. Davis and Dean have never made a Pro Bowl; Winfield’s productive and well-regarded 2023 stands to separate him. Winfield, 25, tallied six sacks and three interceptions while forcing an NFL-leading six fumbles. This included a pivotal strip of DJ Chark in the Bucs’ Week 18 win over the Panthers, which clinched them the NFC South title.

Winfield will undoubtedly be eyeing a top-market safety extension. Derwin James established the current standard, $19MM per year, just before the 2022 season. Last year’s safety market did not feature big-ticket prices, for the most part, but the Falcons made Jessie Bates (four years, $64MM) an exception. If Winfield were to reach free agency, he would be expected to eclipse that.

The Bucs, who have used the tag three times in the 2020s, should not be considered likely to let Winfield follow Davis and Dean’s path by speaking with other teams. Tampa Bay has used the tag three times in the 2020s, cuffing Barrett in 2020 and tagging Chris Godwin twice. The team eventually re-signed both, and while the statuses of Mayfield and Evans (and All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs) create a crowded contract queue, the Bucs will certainly be interested in re-upping Winfield.

On tag radar

Saquon Barkley, RB (Giants)
Tag cost: $12MM

Barkley has said he wants to finish his career with the Giants, and the team will meet with the Pro Bowl running back’s camp at the Combine. But a recent report indicated the team is highly unlikely to tag the six-year veteran a second time. The Giants should not be ruled out from reversing course and keeping Barkley, given his importance to an otherwise low-octane offense, but it appears they are prepared to move on if the talented RB does not accept their extension offer this time around. A host of talented backs await in free agency, though Barkley would likely be the top prize were he to reach the market.

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Giants Unlikely To Tag Saquon Barkley

February 20th, 2024 at 5:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

This year’s window for teams to use the franchise tag to keep players out of free agency opened Monday, though action on this front generally takes place toward the window’s close. The Giants’ actions in 2023 showed that, but the tag deadline in New York might be quieter this year.

The Giants tagged Saquon Barkley minutes before the March 2023 deadline, reaching a long-term agreement with Daniel Jones to keep the option open of cuffing their Pro Bowl running back. Barkley was productive again in 2023, despite an early-season injury, but the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz indicates the team is “highly, highly unlikely” to give the six-year Giant a second tag. The Giants still plan to make Barkley a worthwhile offer, Schwartz adds, but they are not planning to make a tag part of the process this time around.

[RELATED: Giants To Meet With Barkley’s Camp At Combine]

Even though the Giants tagging Barkley in 2023 inflates his 2024 tender price, it still would cost them only $12MM to keep Barkley off the market. Only the kicker/punter tag checks in south of the running back number, which is projected to come in around $11.3MM for first-time RB tag recipients. The Raiders and Giants have been connected to potential second tags, and even while Josh Jacobs‘ tag number is higher due to the terms the Raiders agreed to just before last season, it appears Barkley will be given the chance to test the market.

The Giants did Barkley a disservice by tagging him last year. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year had bounced back after three injury-plagued seasons, powering an undermanned Giants offense to the playoffs. While Barkley is certainly in fine financial shape due to playing out a fully guaranteed rookie deal and following up a fifth-year option season by playing on a $10.1MM tag, his best chance to capitalize on the open market has likely passed. That does not mean Barkley would not generate a strong market this year, but the nature of the RB position puts the New Jersey native on the downside of his career.

This aspect will play into the Giants’ thinking, Schwartz adds, noting the Giants have conducted studies that have shown age 27 represents a running back cliff. Barkley, who turned 27 earlier this month, averaged just 3.9 yards per carry in 2023 and suffered another notable injury — a high ankle sprain — early on. The talented RB was forced to carry another poor offense — a trend throughout the Penn State alum’s New York tenure — and still finished the season strong. Barkley totaled 1,242 scrimmage yards in 14 games, doing so on an offense missing key O-linemen and aerial weaponry — and one without Jones for much of the season.

Both sides were interested in an extension as of November, but time is running out. Barkley has said on several occasions he wants to finish his career with the Giants, who still have exclusive negotiating rights with the Dave Gettleman-era draftee until the legal tampering period opens March 11. GM Joe Schoen spoke with Barkley shortly after the season, but Schwartz adds little came of that. Schoen has shown no hesitancy in re-upping Gettleman acquisitions, extending Dexter Lawrence and Andrew Thomas following the Jones $40MM-AAV payday. Barkley’s position, naturally, is hurting his cause.

Barkley would probably be the top RB available this year, surpassing the likes of Jacobs, Austin Ekeler, Tony Pollard and D’Andre Swift. But he does have 1,201 carries on his odometer — which actually trails Jacobs’ count by more than 100, despite the latter being a year younger — and some injury baggage in his past. Barkley is three-plus years removed from the ACL tear that ended his 2020 season early, but ankle trouble has been a factor in the years since.

Barkley has pocketed more than $48MM in the NFL, and he will be in position to cash in again soon. It will be interesting to see if the Giants, who passed on trading him at the deadline to keep the door open for a potential post-2023 future, make a lucrative offer to retain him or move on to a cheaper back.

If the Giants lose Barkley, they will need to either draft a replacement or sign one. After the events of last year, it will also be interesting to see if Barkley can come close to the roughly $22MM guarantee total the Giants offered — while decreasing the proposal’s AAV at the last minute — just before last July’s tag extension deadline. This situation produced countless headlines last year, but it appears we will have a resolution much sooner this offseason. Should the Giants pay Barkley as a free agent or finally let him walk?

Giants RB Saquon Barkley Speaks On Free Agency

February 10th, 2024 at 2:34pm CST by Ely Allen

Another week, another update on the contract situation of Giants running back Saquon Barkley. In the newest addition to the saga, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post makes the suggestion that the team faces a potential win-win scenario in letting Barkley test free agency, a strategy that Barkley claims he would welcome.

In Dunleavy’s scenario, the Giants would put negotiations in the hands of the open market. This would be slightly similar to when the Ravens placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson, allowing other teams to submit offer sheets and, effectively, set the market for their franchise quarterback. Baltimore’s efforts were for naught, though, as other teams saw through the fairly transparent move and opted not to do the Ravens’ work for them. The strategy could work a little better for New York, as unrestricted free agency would not pose quite the same risks for interested parties as submitting offer sheets would’ve for teams wanting Jackson.

Dunleavy suggests that this strategy would need to include a handshake agreement between Barkley and the team that Barkley would “bring his best offer back to the table before signing elsewhere.” Barkley has been vocal in his desires to remain with the Giants long-term. If the team has faith in Barkley’s sincerity, they may be willing to allow Barkley to walk and test the market under the agreement that they will have an opportunity to match any offers made to their franchise back.

“I wouldn’t be against that. That’s fair,” Barkley said of the suggestion. “They know where I want to be. Ownership said they want me to be a Giant for life, too. Last year, we tried our best at the end. Business happened, and we didn’t get it done.”

Barkley is bullish about his self-worth. When the Giants opted for an essential prove-it year during the 2022 season, Barkley accepted the challenge, delivering his most productive year since his rookie campaign. The veteran’s Pro Bowl efforts made things even tougher in negotiations. As the running back position’s collective worth continues to dip in recent years, here Barkley was, proving he was among the best at the position and deserve to be paid like so.

The Giants balked at paying Barkley the numbers being seen by 49ers rusher Christian McCaffrey or Saints back Alvin Kamara. When the two sides failed to reach a long-term agreement to lock down Barkley, they agreed to settle for a one-year, $10.09MM contract, delaying negotiations for another year.

In a second consecutive prove-it season, Barkley mostly delivered, yet again, falling only 38 yards short of the 1,000-yard rushing mark despite missing three contests. Had Barkley appeared in those extra three games, he certainly had the potential to match many of the figures he had put up in 2022. And, though durability has been a point of focus in negotiations of running back value, missing three games is hardly grounds for a significant change in Barkley’s contract numbers.

Regardless, Barkley continues to stand on his desires. His willingness to try Dunleavy’s suggested plan also proves that he remains confident in his value. The likelihood of a team trusting the future of their best offensive player to a handshake agreement seems rather unlikely, but the sentiment is noted. The Giants appreciate their star rusher, but seemingly not enough to pay a little over market value to secure him long-term. So, perhaps, the best chance to determine Barkley’s value will have to come from the interest of the open market.

Giants To Meet With Saquon Barkley’s Camp At Combine

February 2nd, 2024 at 9:56pm CST by Ely Allen

Following all the drama of last year’s offseason, not much has changed in New York concerning the contract of veteran running back Saquon Barkley. The Giants were able to avoid too much trouble with a one-year, $10.10MM band-aid, but with that year now come and gone, the two parties find themselves at quite a similar standoff.

When many of the league’s running backs grew more and more concerned about their value as a position group, a coalition was formed to explore solutions last year. With Barkley and the Giants one of many RB-team pairings dealing with this issue of valuation, chatter rose of trade demands and threats of a holdout. Those rumors were seemingly put to bed in the team’s short-term resolution, but it’s tough to act like the situation never got that bad.

Still, late into the year, Barkley maintained that he wanted to remain with the Giants past this season. Despite multiple trade inquiries amidst a 2-8 start to the year, the Giants stood pat, committing to at least trying to patch things up with Barkley for the long term. Both Barkley and New York were saying all the right things, insinuating that both were interested in finding terms for an extension.

A couple months later, though, Barkley admitted that, despite his repeated assertions that New York was where he wanted to be, he really wouldn’t mind getting to make a fresh start somewhere new. Perhaps, it’s the constant stalemate the two sides seem to keep finding themselves in despite seeing the Colts and Jonathan Taylor reach a new three-year, $42MM deal in much rockier waters. A new deal may be even more difficult to come to after all four running backs headlining the valuation issue in the offseason (Barkley, Taylor, Josh Jacobs, and Austin Ekeler) missed time this season due to injury, further muddying the waters of their bargaining position.

Regardless, the Giants and Barkley will continue to strive for a resolution. General manager Joe Schoen claims to have met briefly with Barkley after the season concluded, and according to Connor Hughes of SNY, he plans to meet with Barkley’s representation at the NFL Scouting Combine at the turn of the month, as well. It will be interesting to see how things will be different in this offseason.

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