When the New York Giants re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones before the franchise tag deadline, it allowed the franchise to use the tag on running back Saquon Barkley. While it prevented both players from testing free agency, it came at a cost.
Jones is now one of the highest-paid NFL players and entering a 2023 season with much higher expectations. However, the ramifications of their decision with Barkley are far worse. The two-time Pro Bowl selection is disgruntled and refusing to sign the franchise tag, creating uncertainty a month out from training camp.
- Saquon Barkley stats (2022): 1,312 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 10 rushing touchdowns, 338 receiving yards
Related: Saquon Barkley a ‘real threat’ to holdout from New York Giants
Contract talks between the two sides broke off early this offseason, leading to speculation of a training camp holdout and the possibility of Barkley sitting out regular-season games. However, it appears the two sides are taking steps in a positive direction.
Appearing on NFL Total Access, reporter Ian Rapoport said that the Giants and Barkley have recently engaged in contract talks.
“Talks are back on between the Giants and Saquon Barkley. Now, we’ll see if they can get to a point where he could become one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on contract talks between Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Barkley wants to be one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL with a focus on long-term financial security. At a position that is quickly losing value in the eyes of NFL teams, the 6-foot running back is evaluating his best course of action to land a long-term contract.
Related: New York Giants rookie Jalin Hyatt off to slow start with the team
After skipping OTAs and minicamp this spring, Barkley could skip training camp this summer and is willing to take things even further. It’s one of the biggest reasons why the Giants, who have built their offense around Barkley, are making a renewed effort to find a resolution that works for everyone for years to come.
Will Saquon Barkley play this season?
Because Barkley hasn’t signed the franchise tag, he can’t be fined by the team for missing practices. It allows the 26-year-old to skip training camp without incurring daily fines. However, Barkley has also raised the possibility of taking things even further.
While Barkley said he would consider sitting out the Giants’ 2023 season, Rapoport noted that the expectation is the Pro Bowl running back will be on the field in Week 1 no matter what happens with his contract.
“At the very least, Saquon Barkley is expected to be back with the Giants on a one-year fully guaranteed tag. It’s just a matter of whether he’s going to get the security that he wants. Time will tell on that one.”
Ian Rapoport on Saquon Barkley’s status for 2023 season
While Barkley could’ve pulled a Le’Veon Bell, sitting out an entire season instead of playing on the franchise tag, even his peers don’t advise it. Bell admitted it was the biggest mistake in his career and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce advised Barkley not to do it.
There’s simply far too little to be gained and far too much to be lost for Barkley if he sits out. It would mean he doesn’t play again until he’s 27 and NFL teams have demonstrated they’re ready to move on from high-end running backs once they turn 29 years old.
