NFL Free Agency: Giants reportedly meet with Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones extension talks could go down to franchise tag deadline

NFL insider Mike Garafolo gave a free agency update Monday regarding New York Giants stars Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. Both Barkley and Jones become unrestricted free agents at the March 13 deadline, and the duo both coming off of stellar, career seasons has made the job of general manager Joe Schoen a tricky one.

Garafolo reported that as of Monday, nothing seems imminent regarding Jones’ contract and that the decision of his future with the Giants will come down to the wire of the Tuesday franchise tag deadline at 4:00 p.m. ET. It was reported two weeks ago that Jones and his new agent would be seeking a $45 million a year in a new deal with New York.

The Giants could franchise tag Jones, which at the non-exclusive level would cost New York $32.416 million, but would also open up the possibility for Jones to sign with another team.

New York’s decision with Jones’ contract has a large impact on Barkley’s future with the Giants, as Garafolo also reported that Barkley met briefly with Schoen on Monday. All accounts show that the meeting went positively, with both sides hoping to make things work in wake of Jones’ contract negotiations.

If the Giants are able to sign Jones to a long-term deal, then they’ll be able to use their franchise tag on Barkley and keep both on their roster for 2023. But if the franchise tag is used on Jones, it will make signing Barkley to a deal a lot less likely as he would hit free agency as one of the top priority free agents on the market.

Last season Barley rushed for a career-high 1,312 yards, ranking fourth in the NFL, and 10 rushing touchdowns, and tied the team lead for receptions with 57 catches for 338 yards. Jones on the other hand hit career highs in passing and rushing yards with 3,205 in the air and 708 on the ground, along with 22 total touchdowns and a career-low five interceptions.

More on the 2023 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2023 calendar year is set to begin at 4 p.m. ET on March 15 when contracts running through 2022 will officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 7. Beginning March 13 through March 15 teams will be allowed a legal negotiation with players who are set to become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 21 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets while April 26 marks the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets. 722 players are slated to become free agents in 2023.