Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys, Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, and Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders have all faced difficult situations with their respective teams as franchise tagged players.
As the 2023 season approaches, the deadline for extensions has passed, leaving two of these three players and their organizations in a state of uncertainty.
Tony Pollard, known for his versatility and explosive play, chose a different path than Barkley and Jacobs by signing the franchise tender offered by the Cowboys.
While this secures his presence on the field for the upcoming season, the lack of a long-term agreement is something that people should keep a close eye on.
Saquon Barkley, a standout performer for the Giants, has found himself in a bad situation. The Giants placed the $10.1 million franchise tag on Barkley, signaling their intent to retain him for the season. However, the absence of a contract extension leaves Barkley dissatisfied and desiring a deal that recognizes his value and commitment to the team.
With the option to either play under the tag or sit out, Barkley has decided that he will not report to training camp, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
Similarly, Josh Jacobs, an integral part of the Raiders’ offense, has been unable to secure a long-term deal. Despite his contributions, the Raiders’ hesitation in committing to an extension has left an uncertain feeling about his future with the team.
Jacobs, like Barkley, will also hold out of training camp. By holding out of camp, he cannot be fined due to the fact that he isn’t under contract.
The repercussions of these contract standoffs extend beyond the individual players. For the Cowboys, Giants, and Raiders, the unresolved negotiations have created an air of uncertainty and unease within their respective locker rooms.
