Despite some reports to the contrary, the New York Giants haven't ruled out using the franchise tag to retain Saquon Barkley if the two sides can't work out a new contract.
Per The Athletic's Dan Duggan, the Giants tagging Barkley is viewed as a "realistic possibility" after the salary cap for the 2024 season came in higher than expected.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday the Giants were going to speak with Barkley's representatives about a contract, but they were "unlikely" to tag him with a $12.1 million price tag.
Barkley was given the franchise tag last season that would have guaranteed him $10.