The New York Giants have another key decision to make this offseason in regards to star running back Saquon Barkley’s future.
Do they slap the franchise tag on him again if the two parties can’t agree on a contract extension or do they let the fan favorite test the free agent waters?
Quarterback Tommy DeVito, who made a splash this season by leading the Giants to three consecutive wins and putting them back in the playoff picture (albeit temporarily), was asked in a recent interview what his pitch would be to Saquon and the Giants to continue their relationship.
“That is my man,” DeVito told Complex. “I want the best for him in any way situation. I want them to call the Brink’s truck and come drop off the cash at the front door. Now I hope is for the Giants cause I want him to be in the backfield with me and all my team because I think he is the best teammate in the NFL, the best teammate I’ve had around.
“Obviously, I’ve played one year in the league but I’ve played a lot of football. He’s the best teammate that I’ve ever been around in my life. Hands down for sure.”
Naturally, it will come down to the numbers. The Giants have approximately $35-38 million in available cap space this offseason and have a long laundry list of needs to address. Barkley is just one of those ‘to-do’ items.
“Now, I hope it’s with the Giants,” continued DeVito. “But if not, somebody call the bank because the bank is coming because this man needs to get paid. You’re my man, you’re my man for real. Now you can come run it back and we can get right. But at the same time, I want you to get your paper, you know what I mean?”
Barkley responded by saying, “Great answer, my dog.”
The period to place the franchise tag on a player begins on Feb. 20 and runs through March 5. Free agency begins March 13.
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