The New York Giants are «cautiously optimistic» that they can reach long-term deals with quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley, who are both set to become free agents and are also candidates for the franchise tag.
Barkley's future remains more uncertain, but Giants general manager Joe Schoen reiterated Tuesday that Jones will return in some capacity — whether under a new deal or the tag.
The Giants admittedly weren't close with Barkley when the sides discussed a new deal last year. A source told ESPN said that the Giants offered the 2018 No. 2 draft pick a deal worth between $12 million and $13 million annually.
Schoen believes, however, that the Giants and Barkley have made some progress since those negotiations.
«We haven't totally bridged [the difference]. We're a little bit closer,» Schoen said at the NFL scouting combine. «There's still a gap, [otherwise] would've done it. We'll still work through that. We're working with Roc Nation and [agent] Kim [Miale]. We have a great relationship with them and her.»
Barkley, 26, just completed his first fully healthy season since his rookie year and finished as the NFL's fourth-leading rusher with 1,310 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Working against Barkley are the widespread anticipation of a strong group of running backs available in free agency and an equally strong group of incoming rookies at the position. While the Giants appear willing to go all-out to assure that Jones returns, the same doesn't seem to be the case with Barkley — in part because of the position he plays.
«Again, you have to draw a line in the sand — like we're not going any further,» Schoen said. «And if it goes past this [line], alright, let's shift to Plan B. Again, hopefully we
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