Betting on himself likely cost New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley more money this year and long-term financial stability.
Last offseason, the New York Giants took an understandable risk when it came to the contract status of starting running back Saquon Barkley. The first-round pick in 2018 had a Pro Bowl appearance on his resume but had not recaptured that form in the three seasons after and developed a reputation as being injury-prone. That is why they let him play out the final year of his contract.
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Fortunately for Barkley, he was at his best in 2022 and was a massive part of the team’s surprise success. Understanding his value the Giants reportedly made overtures to retain him on a long-term deal during the bye week, but they were rebuked by the 26-year-old and his representation. However, that proved to be a poor decision for Barkley.
The value of running backs in the NFL has been on a steep decline for many years now. Despite that fact, Saquon Barkley was willing to test his value on the open market. In the end, that never came to pass because the New York Giants used their franchise tag on the two-time Pro Bowler.
That proved to be a big break for Barkley because he is set to make quite a bit more in 2023 on the $10 million franchise tag than sought-after RB free agents Miles Sanders, David Montgomery, and Jamaal Williams received this month. While it is a win for Barkley this season, he missed a pair of opportunities to avoid the contractual risks ahead for him this year.
New York Giants record (2022): 9-7-1, third place in NFC East
On Tuesday, SNY New York Giants reporter Connor Hughes revealed that reports of Barkley turning down a $12 million offer last year was not the only offer he received. Hughes claims the New York Giants increased that annual offer amount but were again turned away by the running back. That annual average would have placed him among the top-five highest paid at his position in the NFL (via Spotrac).
Now, Saquon Barkley will have to again stay healthy and prove his value in 2023 or end up making well below what he could have gotten from the Giants last season.