Saquon Barkley’s time with the Giants is one step closer to reaching the end.

The New York Giants will not franchise tag running back Saquon Barkley, making him a free agent when the signing period begins later this month.

Last offseason, Barkley, 27, and the Giants agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $11 million ahead of training camp, which includes a $2 million signing bonus. The move came ahead of what could have been a lengthy potential holdout as both sides had previously failed to reach a long-term deal prior to their set deadline.

The Giants placed a franchise tender on Barkley, but he didn’t sign it prior to the one-year deal and, therefore, wouldn’t have faced any fines for skipping mandatory training camp as he wasn’t yet under contract. The former No. 2 overall pick recorded 962 yards and six touchdowns on 247 rushing attempts, while also catching 41 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games during the 2023 season.