The Franchise Tag Deadline: RBs Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs Miss Out on Long-Term Deals

Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, two of the three running backs who were franchise-tagged, reportedly came close to signing long-term deals before the deadline. The New York Giants offered Barkley a three-year deal worth around $11-11.5 million per year with guarantees totaling between $22-23 million, which was within $1-2 million of Barkley's proposed figures. Jacobs was so close to a deal that he was waiting in the team facility's parking lot to sign the contract. However, none of the running backs signed, and they are expected to hold out for most of training camp. The lack of deals reflects the NFL's evolving view of running backs and their financial value.