Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs: The Franchise Tag Standoff

As the anticipation for the upcoming NFL season builds, two star running backs, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, have found themselves embroiled in a contract dispute with their respective teams. As of now, both players have yet to sign their $10.091 million franchise tag tenders, leading to speculation about their attendance at training camp. This article explores the intricacies of the franchise tag, the implications of skipping training camp, and the potential consequences for the regular season.

Understanding the Franchise Tag

The franchise tag is a mechanism employed by NFL teams to retain their star players on a one-year contract, preventing them from entering unrestricted free agency. When a player receives the franchise tag, they are offered a tender, which represents the average of the top salaries at their position. In the case of Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, this tender amounts to a substantial $10.091 million for the 2023 season.

Skipping Training Camp – An Option for Unsigned Players

Since Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs have yet to sign their franchise tag tenders, they are not officially under contract with their respective teams. This unique situation allows them to skip the entirety of training camp without incurring fines, as players are only subject to fines when they are under contract and fail to report for camp.

However, the absence from training camp can have both positive and negative repercussions. While it gives players extra time to recover from injuries or work on personal training, it also means missing crucial bonding with teammates and the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the team’s offensive and defensive schemes.

Regular Season Implications

One aspect of the franchise tag standoff that might concern fans and teams alike is the potential impact on the regular season. If Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs continue to hold out and do not sign their tenders by the start of the regular season, they risk losing game checks for the weeks they miss.

For every game missed, a player on the franchise tag stands to lose 1/17th of their tender amount. In the case of the $10.091 million tender, each missed game would cost the player approximately $594,176. Considering a 17-week regular season, prolonged absences could result in significant financial losses for the running backs.

Team Dynamics and Fan Sentiment

Beyond financial implications, skipping training camp and potentially regular-season games can affect team dynamics and fan sentiment. Teammates may feel disappointed or concerned about the absence of key players during crucial preparation stages, leading to a potential strain on team chemistry. Additionally, fan support may waver, as the absence of star players can dampen expectations and excitement for the season.

The standoff between Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs and their respective teams over the franchise tag tender presents a challenging situation for all parties involved. While the players have the option to skip training camp without fines due to their unsigned status, the potential repercussions on the regular season and team dynamics cannot be ignored. As the NFL season approaches, fans and teams alike eagerly await a resolution to this contract dispute, hoping that these talented running backs will be on the field when the action begins.