While it wasn’t the same regime making decisions in the Big Apple now, the New York Giants drafted Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall back in 2018. The former Penn State star has since become a two-time Pro Bowl selection, establishing himself as one of, if not the best, three-down running back in the NFL.
Still just 26 years old, the Bronx, New York native is set to play the 2023 season on the franchise tag after his rookie contract expired this past offseason. But that’s if Barkley even decides to sign the contract tender extended by the Giants.
While general manager Joe Schoen and Barkley’s agency have been working to come to terms on a long-term contract extension, no agreement has been reached. More conversations are on the way, but as Giants insider Ralph Vacchiano passes along, the chances of Barkley being the team’s top running back for the next several seasons are “not good.”
- Saquon Barkley’s stats last season: 295 carries, 1,312 rushing yards, 10 TD, 57 catches, 338 receiving yards
Vacchiano went on to reiterate that an extension with Barkley is currently “not close” before alluding to recent comments Schoen made about finding a deal that makes “both parties happy.”
Meanwhile, the Giants may not see the urgency to get a new contract in place ahead of the season. As Vacchiano tells it, New York is “fine” with Barkley playing out the season on the franchise tag, while Barkley, who is likely seeking more long-term financial security, doesn’t feel the same way.
Until Barkley signs his franchise tag, anything could happen, even a holdout by the star running back. Obviously, both Barkley and the Giants hope conversations improve in the next few weeks, as the G-Men have just Matt Breida, rookie Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell, and former undrafted pro Jashaun Corbin at the position for now.
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