The Giants slapped the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, meaning that three of the top free agent running backs were all tagged this winter. That’s Barkley, Tony Pollard, and Josh Jacobs all returning to New York, Dallas, and Vegas, respectively.

It’s a good thing for Miles Sanders, who pretty much shoots to the top of an RB free agent list that looks like this (via Spotrac) –

None of the remaining free agent ball carriers logged more yards last year. Jamaal Williams had a huge year and is still out there, but may go back to Detroit. Beyond him and Sanders, you’ve got D’Onta Foreman, Raheem Mostert on the wrong side of 30, and then some second or third-tier type of guys.

The other thing to consider is that by tagging their guys, the Giants, Cowboys, and Raiders will no longer be suitors for Miles Sanders, but I’m not sure they ever were to begin with. Denver and Miami need help. New Orleans could go for someone to work with Alvin Kamara. If Foreman doesn’t return to Carolina, they’ve got Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear, and not much else. Chicago might be in the market as well.

There are landing spots for Sanders, who looks like one of the top two free agents remaining. He’ll get paid, just not in Philly. We already knew that, but now the picture becomes a little more clear.