Giants don't use franchise tag on Barkley

The New York Giants didn't use the franchise tag on star running back Saquon Barkley prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.

The decision sets Barkley up as one of the biggest free agents on the market next week.

The Giants reportedly weren't expected to tag Barkley for a second straight season, though general manager Joe Schoen did not rule it out when asked about it at the NFL Scouting Combine last week. Schoen added that the franchise hoped to have the 27-year-old back.

Barkley was tagged in 2023 but was unable to come to an agreement with the NFC East franchise on a long-term contract. He ended up playing the year on an amended one-year deal that contained incentives.

The two-time Pro Bowl running back reportedly targeted the Houston Texans as his top free-agent destination.

Barkley is slated to be part of a talented running back free-agent class that includes Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, and Tony Pollard, among others.

Barkley rushed for 962 yards on the ground last season while also adding 280 yards as a receiver. His best season came as a rookie when he led the league in yards from scrimmage (2,028) and was named the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year.