Giants give Jacobs franchise tag

The Giants have unexpectedly decided to use the franchise tag on running back

Brandon Jacobs

.

What does that mean?

He'll be back in New York next season, and is set to make $6.621 million in 2009. Technically, other teams can make a move for Jacobs, but the Giants can match any offer. And if they choose not to, the team would have to give New York two first-round picks, which is not happening.

» READ MORE: According to the New York Daily News

, both Jacobs and the Giants hope to still get a long-term deal done.

"They don't want to let me go and it just buys more time to get a deal done," Jacobs said in a release. "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."

New York Daily News

reporter Ralph Vacchiano called the move "radical" considering the Giants had used the franchise tag just one other time in team history, in 1993. Sources told Vacchiano that Jacobs was seeking a seven-year, $45 million deal like the one the Cowboys awarded to

Marion Barber

.

The Giants, per Vacchiano, were offering in the neighborhood of six years for $25 million with about $12 million guaranteed. A source also told Vacchiano the contract had incentives tied to playing time because of Jacobs' injury history. He has missed eight games over the last two seasons due to injury.

Jacobs had 1,089 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.