What It Means:

The Giants applied the franchise tag to Barkley just before the official deadline and only after they were able to work out a new contract with quarterback Daniel Jones, but it seems like the team is still interested in ensuring that Barkley stays with their squad for longer than just the one season the tag allows for. The second-overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft played a critical role in the team's surprising success in the 2022 season.

Barkley put up 1,650 yards from scrimmage and amassed 10 touchdowns in his 2022 campaign, his best season since his debut in 2018. The star back could have commanded a large contract if he had been able to hit the open market, but has also previously expressed a desire to remain with the Giants. Gary Brightwell is currently the only other running back the team has under contract for the 2023 NFL season.