The New York Giants reportedly will take a look at possibly making a new contract offer to Saquon Barkley after the disgruntled running back reportedly passed on a massive offer last season.
This has been a very productive offseason for the New York Giants after a season where the team took a major leap forward in year one for new head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. They were able to agree on a long-term deal with quarterback Daniel Jones, added a talented pass catcher in Darren Waller, and had a strong showing at the 2023 NFL Draft.
Related: New York Giants NFL Draft grades – Taking a look at the first 3 picks
They also used their franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley to make sure the Pro Bowl running back will return to the roster in 2023. However, that decision has rubbed the New York native the wrong way.
After reportedly passing on a pair of contract extension offers last year, Barkley banked on his strong season and was looking to test his value on the free-agent market this spring. However, that never came to pass after the New York Giants used their franchise tag on him in March. The tag will pay him just over $10 million per season, which is as good or better than what many top running backs landed on the market this offseason.
New York Giants record (2022): 9-7-1, third place in NFC East
However, the 26-year-old is not satisfied with that and it was revealed two weeks ago that he has yet to sign the tender and still wants a new long-term deal. Following the 2023 NFL Draft last week, the New York Giants GM spoke on the situation and if the organization may look to address their star player’s unhappiness.
- Saquon Barkley stats (2022): 1,650 total yards, 10 TD
“Yeah, we’ll talk this coming week now that the draft is over, kind of reconvene, see if [a new offer] makes sense or not. Have dialogue now that the draft is over.”
– Jim Schoen to ESPN
Barkley does not have much leverage in contract talks with the team. On Saturday, ESPN Giants writer Jordan Ranaan reported that sources close to the situation claim the New York Giants offered their star back a deal that would have seen him make around $14 million per season.
With free agent running backs like fellow Pro Bowler Miles Sanders making well below that on the open market, there is not any incentive for the team to give a similar offer that would now be well above the current market value. Barkley may forever regret turning down that offer if true because he is unlikely to get one anywhere near that in the next few years.