Giants decline franchise tag for Saquon Barkley, paves way for RB to enter free agency: reports

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Two-time Pro Bowler and longtime New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley appears headed for free agency for the first time in his NFL career.

The Giants have decided not to use the franchise tag on the now-pending free agent Barkley, ESPN's Adam Schefter and others reported on Tuesday. NFL teams had until Tuesday to decide whether to apply the restrictive roster marker on players.

Last week, Giants general manager Joe Schoen said he was hopeful that Barkley could end up back with the team in 2024. "He's a guy we'd like to have back," Schoen told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley takes the field at MetLife Stadium, Jan. 7, 2024. (Kevin R. Wexler/USA Today Network)

Schoen also noted that he had time set aside to meet with Barkley's representatives to talk about the running back's potential future with the Giants.

BRONCOS TO RELEASE RUSSELL WILSON AFTER 2 SEASONS

Last March, the Giants decided to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Barkley. His one-year contract was later adjusted. Barkley was the second overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft and has spent his entire professional football career in New York.

Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants warms up for the Philadelphia Eagles game at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Tagging Barkley would have cost the Giants an estimated $12.1 million for the upcoming season.

Barkley's production dipped slightly last year, but he was still highly productive and finished his 2023 campaign with 1,650 yards