NFL Draft rumors: New York Giants target to replace Saquon Barkley meets franchise

Are the New York Giants going to bring back Saquon Barkley this season or move on from the star running back? The pending free agent is set to be one of the hottest running backs on the market, and the team knows there's a chance they could lose him this off-season.

The Giants could look to replace Barkley this off-season and turn to the draft for his replacement. The team met Texas running back Bijan Robinson at the combine.

🚨#Texas superstar running back Bijan Robinson has met with the New York #Giants, per league sources.

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When asked about Robinson, league sources who’ve spoken to several general managers and talent evaluators say he’s the best RB prospect in “many years”, and will “change… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/W5JDybsQvh

Robinson is by far the best running back in this draft class and is expected to go in the first round. He's one of the best running back prospects in the last ten years and has many teams interested in him.

Last season, he rushed for 1,580 yards, averaged 6.1 yards per carry, and scored 18 touchdowns. He also added 19 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns. In his three seasons at Texas, he has rushed for 3410 yards and 33 touchdowns and has caught 60 passes for 805 yards and eight touchdowns.

What are New York Giants going to do with Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones?

The plan for the New York Giants is to keep both Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones.

They're both set to become free agents, but the team is hoping to sign both to long-term deals.

Jones is seeking a deal of $48 million per season. The expectation is that the Giants will offer him a four-year $160 million deal, but if the two can't reach a deal, the team will use the franchise tag on him. That would pay Jones $32.4 million this season.

Update: Some around the league expect #Giants QB Daniel Jones to sign a 4-year deal in excess of $160M, per @JFowlerESPN

Jones would need to reduce his initial asking price of $48M per year.

The team will use the tag on him if no deal is reached, per @tompelissero https://t.co/7cCW5LEYiu

Nevertheless, Barkely would become an unrestricted free agent. If the team can reach a long-term deal with Jones before the tag deadline, the team will use the tag on Barkley.

Report: The #Giants will franchise tag RB Saquon Barkley if they can reach a long-term deal with QB Daniel Jones before the deadline, according to @RapSheet

Rapoport adds about Jones: "Figuring out his price has been difficult, but they're working on it." https://t.co/BSMFRvwtlZ

If tagged, Barkley would make $10 million this season. The Giants will have some business decisions to make, but it seems like keeping Jones is the priority. Running backs are easier to replace, but it would be a big hit losing Barkley for the next season.