Whether you like the idea of signing a RB to a second contract or not, this team is bereft of offensive talent. He's the heart and soul of the team this season and looks to be healthy and playing better than ever. This team will have money next year and needs to retain the only star on offense they have. Despite previous injuries and the instability of the runningback position, Barkley is going to be back be it a franchise-tag or a new multi-year contract.
It isn't about Mara, at all. It is about Daboll and Schoen.
Barkley is a harder case. He's playing great, but plays a position that the NFL devalues, and has had a major knee injury. He might also get injured.
Trade him before that happens?
100%
If they don't let him walk in free agency, they can either franchise him $12.7 million guaranteed, or keep him for a much lower 2023 cap hit (but still significant guaranteed money) in a long-term deal.
The problem with the latter option is that four consecutive games of Barkley not getting hurt does not allay concerns about his tendency to get hurt. Add to that, he'll be 26 when next season starts, and nothing about his talent level at age 26 suggests that he'll definitely defy the odds which make the case that RBs don't usually have long, productive careers.
I think the mistake being made here is that because Barkley is so clearly the team's best offensive weapon, we need to pay him like that without regard to the possibility that next year's team will feature significant upgrades at WR. What if this team actually had a WR who could be counted on to get open and catch the ball? What if there was anything like a legitimate debate as to who the best player on the offense was? Suddenly $12.7 million seems a bit steep for a RB.
We have nothing on offense
God forbid a couple playmakers and it can really open stuff up
If he continues playing well all year, put the franchise tag on him.
If he does the same next year, franchise him again, and then let him walk.
If he doesn't like the franchise tag, too fucking bad.
He's my kind of Giant too! Saquon Barkley=GIANT4LIFE!
I am all for giving him the franchise tag this off-season. RB tag number is only $9 million, which would only be 2 million more than what his cap number is this season.
If they don't let him walk in free agency, they can either franchise him $12.7 million guaranteed, or keep him for a much lower 2023 cap hit (but still significant guaranteed money) in a long-term deal.
The problem with the latter option is that four consecutive games of Barkley not getting hurt does not allay concerns about his tendency to get hurt. Add to that, he'll be 26 when next season starts, and nothing about his talent level at age 26 suggests that he'll definitely defy the odds which make the case that RBs don't usually have long, productive careers.
I think the mistake being made here is that because Barkley is so clearly the team's best offensive weapon, we need to pay him like that without regard to the possibility that next year's team will feature significant upgrades at WR. What if this team actually had a WR who could be counted on to get open and catch the ball? What if there was anything like a legitimate debate as to who the best player on the offense was? Suddenly $12.7 million seems a bit steep for a RB.
Excellent analysis.