The New York Giants have opted not to franchise tag running back Saquon Barkley for the second consecutive year, marking a significant decision in the team's off-season strategies. Barkley, once the face of the Giants' rushing attack, will now continue his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, following a lucrative contract worth $12.5 million per season over three years.
Departure Rooted in Financial Strategy
Initially, it seemed the franchise was considering a low-ball offer, a move Giants management viewed as disrespectful. Despite Owner John Mara's preference to retain Barkley, financial considerations and positional priorities ultimately led to his departure. General Manager Joe Schoen emphasized a more measured approach, delaying the acquisition of a new running back until the second week of free agency. "Bang for your buck," Schoen noted, highlighting a strategy driven by market dynamics and fiscal prudence.
Age-Related Performance Concerns
Schoen's decision-making was heavily influenced by performance data, particularly concerning players of Barkley's age. "The data says that running backs decline at 27," Schoen affirmed. This age-related decline has been well documented in the NFL, with numerous examples supporting this trend. Christian McCaffrey's age-27 season, which took place this past year, served as a contemporary benchmark, whereas Frank Gore managed to defy expectations and perform well into his 30s.
Barkley, however, brings with him a considerable workload from his college career at Penn State, where he amassed 900 carries. His six physically punishing seasons in the NFL have further taken their toll. Although Derrick Henry's productivity in yards per game has remained relatively high, his yards per carry have diminished—a pattern symptomatic of aging running backs. Conversely, Aaron Jones has shown improvement post-27, demonstrating the variability in how individual players age and perform.
A Reflection of Broader Trends
The Giants' approach mirrors a growing trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly hesitant to offer large contracts to running backs nearing or surpassing the 27-year threshold. This cautious stance arises from the historical observation that running backs often see a dip in production as they approach this age. With Schoen at the helm, the Giants are aligning with this broader league-wide trend, opting for younger, more cost-effective talent in the backfield.
As the Giants look ahead to future seasons, this strategic pivot underscores a shift in how the organization values and prioritizes its roster. While Barkley's departure marks the end of an era for the Giants' running game, it also signifies the dawn of a new tactical approach, one that is data-driven and fiscally responsible. Time will tell if the Giants' gamble pays off as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL.