Saquon Barkley is rebelling against the New York Giants and is unwilling to sign his franchise player tag before the start of the team's offseason program.
I’m told Saquon Barkley will not be signing the franchise tag & therefore will not be eligible to participate when the #NYG offseason program begins Monday. More to come on @NewsdaySports.
— Kim Jones (@KimJonesSports) April 12, 2023
Reports indicate Barkley's decision not to sign prior to the start of the Giants' schedule, which begins Monday, according to Newsday and ESPN via Adam Schefter.
The Giants designated Saquon Barkley as a franchise player last month after reaching a long-term deal with quarterback Daniel Jones, whom they also considered placing the tag on, but opted to place it on their running back, with whom they have continued negotiations.
Related: Saquon Barkley threatens to miss the entire season
Now Barkley is rebelling and is reportedly unwilling to sign, which would not allow him to participate with the team because he does not have a current contract. Team owner John Mara said last month that he wanted to work out a long-term deal with the running back and that he wants him to remain with the Giants for his entire career.
The Giants and Barkley have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal, or else he would have to play for $10.091 million for one season, the franchise player value for the 2023 season.
Giants’ RB Saquon Barkley does not plan to sign his franchise tender before the team’s upcoming off-season program begins Monday, making him ineligible to participate, as @KimJonesSports reported.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 12, 2023
Barkley rejected the last offer presented to him by the team before placing the franchise player tag on him, which according to reports offered him a contract with an average salary of $12 million per season. ESPN reports that the player wants an average salary per year of $14 million.
For now, Barkley is rebelling and will not sign his franchise player tag before Monday and will not be able to report to the offseason program with the team and must work out on his own.