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Sometimes, the NFL is simply a business, and franchise tag day is proof that this business can be cruel. New York Giants stars Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney were the most shocking moves in a day that saw several top players hit the market. Some for the first time in their career. What happened for the Giants to release both of these top players and is there any chance of retaining both players?

Giants 2023 Recap

The 2022 New York Giants shocked the world by returning to the postseason for the first time since 2016. Their 9-7-1 record was enough to secure a Wild Card berth, followed by a playoff victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The Giants fell the next weekend to the eventual NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles, but the season was considered a wild success. Brian Daboll, the current Giants coach, took home Coach of the Year honors.

The Giants had finally given their fanbase hope for in 2023. Once the Dallas Cowboys came into town in Week 1, most of that hope was instantly dashed. The Cowboys beat the Giants in almost every aspect on that Sunday night en route to a 40-0 victory. That game ended up being forshadowing for the 2023 season.

Throughout 2023, the Giants suffered from a backward slide that was simply not corrected at any time, and the team finished with a record of 6-11. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones was hampered first by regression, then multiple injuries followed. After Jones tore his ACL in Week 9, it was curtains for his season. The Giants would be led by multiple backups to close 2023, including Tommy DeVito, who led the Giants on a three-game winning streak between late November and early December.

Saquon Barkley's Decision Was Expected

Despite the Giants success in 2022, not everyone walked away happy. Saquon Barkley, who desired (and still desires) to remain a Giant for the rest of his career was franchise-tagged. This issue caused Barkley to hold out until he received a new deal. Fortunately, Joe Schoen did negotiate a new one-year deal to keep the star running back happy.

Saquon Barkley suggested how he could say “f— you” to the Giants amid his contract dispute: https://t.co/bT1DO1p90G pic.twitter.com/b2ccVU0j0P

In 2023, Barkley faced more of the same issues that have plagued his career to this point. Barkley was injured in Week two against the Cardinals, and a sprained ankle kept him out of the Giants' next few contests, which were all losses. When healthy and taking snaps behind Jones, the same on-field issue kept his production in check. An offensive line that has remained in the bottom third of the league.

Still, Barkley would close 2023 with almost 1,000 rushing yards and ten total touchdowns (six rushing and four receiving). Assuming Barkley played his last downs in blue, his final game with the Giants was a decent showing. Barkley ran in two touchdowns to help complete the division-rival Eagles collapse in a 27-10 Giants win.

Letting McKinney Hit Free Agency Was a Surprise – Or Was It?

The fourth-year player from Alabama has become a star at the safety position. In just four seasons in blue, Xavier McKinney has already pocketed nine interceptions. However, as 2023 wore on, McKinney was noted for having feuded with defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale. 

Although the beef seemed to have been quashed privately, McKinney had considered not even re-signing with the team if Martindale was to stay. Martindale would then be fired, and hope remained that McKinney would stay.

Giants' Wink Martindale surprised, hurt by Xavier McKinney comments https://t.co/eLQa3ASBvz pic.twitter.com/Muii0CDP0I

Yet, when the time came to designate tags, McKinney was not retained. He will join Barkley on the open market, and like his teammate, he will have plenty of suitors.

Can Barkley and McKinney Be Retained?

All 32 teams experienced a massive boost to their salary caps this offseason. The 30 million dollar boost in leaguewide salary cap will create an increasingly competitive space for teams to fight for the rights of certain players. Barkley and McKinney will attract several suitors. Barkley alone may have five teams all competing for his services, including but not limited to the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers.

 McKinney’s market is less clear, but at the very least, the Green Bay Packers will make a play for his services. If the Giants are to lose both of these players, it will be a huge knock against the reputations of Schoen and Daboll. Both men are entering their third season, and it may be their last if improvements are not made in 2024.