We’re less than a day away from when Saquon Barkley can officially begin negotiating a contract with more teams than just the New York Giants. But it’s not like the Giants haven’t had plenty of opportunities to reach an agreement with their two-time Pro Bowl running back.
It’s true that Barkley hasn’t quite lived up to expectations after becoming the second overall pick in 2018, but it’s not his fault he was drafted so high. It’s also true that Barkley has still developed into one of the best running backs in the NFL. His biggest drawback has been being bitten by the injury bug, costing the former Offensive Rookie of the Year 22 games across the past four seasons.
Naturally, not being available to play or produce has impacted Barkley’s market, as well as his value to his team, and now the Giants may be ready to walk away.
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New York Giants reportedly don’t want to spend $10 million on Saquon Barkley again
Last year the New York Giants placed the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley, much to his dismay. Realizing their running back wasn’t thrilled about being able to land a long-term extension, both sides agreed to a reworked contract that offered Barkley a chance to earn more via incentives. Yet, he still ended up signing a one-year, $10.09 million contract.
Now there’s a sense that the Giants won’t be willing to go that high again.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan has gathered intel from more than 12 NFL GMs, executives, coaches, scouts, and agents. The consensus from them is that Barkley is worth roughly $10 million per season.
Another GM thought the running back market would get worse this offseason, with even the best talents receiving somewhere close to $8 million annually. Meanwhile, another agent felt like Barkley’s game would draw offers in the $12-14 million range. If so, the Giants may not be willing to budge.
“They just don’t see the value in investing $10 million in a running back,” according to a league source.
Anonymous NFL source on New York Giants’ interest in paying Saquon Barkley top dollar
Opinions are all over the place, but one pro personnel director compared Barkley’s ability to Christian McCaffrey.
“If he was in San Francisco, he would be Christian McCaffrey,” one pro personnel director said. “He hasn’t had an offensive line, ever, in New York.”
Barkley and CMC’s skillsets are similar in that they’re both able to impact the game as a rusher or a receiver out of the backfield. But like McCaffrey, Barkley has had trouble staying healthy, but others can see the potential. Do the Giants feel the same way? We’re just days away from getting our answer.