Giants place tag on RB Jacobs

Feb 13, 2009 - 9:44 PM EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) - The New York Giants made sure running back Brandon Jacobs will be with the team at least one more season.

The Giants on Friday designated the bruising running back as their franchise player, with an eye to signing him to a long-term contract.

The franchise tag guarantees that Jacobs will be paid the average salary of the five highest-paid running backs, which amounts to $6,621,000.

Although Jacobs voiced displeasure last month at the idea of being tagged, he softened his stance after talking with Giants general manager Jerry Reese on Friday.

"They don't want to let me go and it just buys more time to get a deal done," Jacobs said. "A deal is going to be done and I am confident in that fact that a deal is going to be done. They just didn't want to let me hit the market to see what else is out there. They want me in and it is fine with me, because I would rather be here. It is another reason why I don't really have a problem with it."

Because it is a non-exclusive franchise tag, other teams can attempt to negotiate a long-term deal with Jacobs.

However, the Giants have the right to match any offer, or else the team signing Jacobs will owe New York two first-round draft picks.

Reese is not expecting that to be an issue. It marks just the second time in franchise history the Giants have utilized the franchise tag.

"With the deadline approaching it was the right business thing to do at this point, although we are hopeful to get a longer term deal hammered out in the near future," Reese said. "I did speak to Brandon and we had a very good conversation today."

Jacobs just completed his fourth season with the Giants. He posted his second straight 1,000-yard season - both coming as a starter - and rushed for 15 touchdowns.

The 6-4, 265-pounder has averaged 5.0 yards per carry in his two seasons as a starter.

"I never felt Brandon would be anything but a New York Giant," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "There isn't any question that when you talk about being a physical football team, he gives you that physical edge as a runner, a pass protector or catching the ball coming out of the backfield.

"He's a valuable, valuable part of our team and of the philosophy and the concept by which we play. It's important for our team going forward that he's a Giant."