The New York Giants have made a significant decision regarding their roster, opting not to use the franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley for the second consecutive year. This move signifies a strategic pivot by the Giants' management, who chose not to burden the player with an offer they deemed disrespectful.
Team owner John Mara expressed a preference for retaining Barkley, indicating the tough nature of the decision. However, financial constraints and positional priorities ultimately guided the Giants' choice. General Manager Joe Schoen outlined a calculated approach, emphasizing a tactical delay in acquiring a running back until the second week of free agency. Schoen stated, "Bang for your buck," illustrating the team's mindset focused on value over immediate action.
This strategy was influenced by the belief that Barkley would not attract a high salary in a competitive market. Contrary to the Giants' expectations, the Philadelphia Eagles secured Barkley with a lucrative deal worth $12.5 million per season over three years. This contract highlights the difference in valuation between the Giants and their divisional rival.
Age and Performance Data
Schoen's decision-making process was heavily influenced by performance data related to running backs. Citing data that suggests a decline in running back performance at age 27, Schoen's approach reflects a wider trend within the NFL. "The data says that running backs decline at 27," Schoen remarked.
Barkley, having amassed 900 carries during his collegiate career at Penn State and having endured six physically demanding seasons in the NFL, fits this profile. He serves as a case study in the balance between early-career productivity and mid-career decline. Schoen's reliance on analytics underscores a shift in how teams assess the long-term value of running backs compared to other positions.
Comparative Trends
The Giants' decision aligns with a broader reluctance across the league to offer substantial contracts to running backs nearing or exceeding the age threshold of 27. Historical data from the careers of other prominent running backs adds context to this decision. While Christian McCaffrey's age-27 season in 2023 is awaiting analysis, examples like Frank Gore and Derrick Henry provide valuable insights. Gore's sustained performance into his 30s is an outlier, whereas Henry, despite maintaining impressive overall yardage, has shown a decrease in yards per carry.
On the flip side, players like Aaron Jones have defied this decline, demonstrating improved performance post-27. These examples illustrate the variability in running back careers and the challenge for teams like the Giants to forecast future performance accurately.
The Giants' choice to part ways with Barkley emphasizes the changing perceptions of running back value within the NFL. As teams increasingly rely on data-driven insights, the traditional valuation of elite running backs is undergoing a transformation.
Ultimately, the Giants' approach reflects a strategic, albeit risky, attempt to rebuild their roster with a focus on long-term sustainability. The narrative of Barkley's departure serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics of player management and contract negotiations in modern football.