The New York Giants could have a huge problem on their hands after starting running back Saquon Barkley suggested he could sit out the entire 2023 season if he doesn’t get the sort of contract extension he is looking for.
The New York Giants entered the offseason after an impressive showing in 2022. They surprised the NFL world by getting to the playoffs in head coach Brian Daboll’s first season and even scored an upset over NFC North champions the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round.
Related: New York Giants star reportedly blew two chances at top-5 running back salary
This spring was set up to be a chance to secure their long-term competitive chances if they could accomplish two primary goals. They needed to make sure both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley were on the roster for next season and, hopefully, many more years to come. They succeeded in that pursuit when it came to their quarterback by giving him a huge contract extension.
When it comes to 2022 Pro Bowler Saquon Barkley, the New York Giants thought they had that problem solved when they slapped their franchise tag on him. However, the star back was none too pleased with that move and has not signed his tender. His hope this offseason was to get a new long-term pact from the Giants or another team. Neither happened due to the franchise tag.
Saquon Barkley turned down New York Giants offer for $12 million annually in 2022
Over the last couple of months, there have been concerns about if Barkley will be in New Jersey when training camp starts in July. That worry took a turn for the worst over the weekend when he suggested the negotiations could last much longer than the team or fans want.
Contract talks between the two sides have reportedly not progressed and there are rumblings the team won’t make a new offer close to the $12 million annual rate he turned down twice last year. Following his youth football camp on Sunday, Barkley was asked about the possibility of sitting out most or all of the season to get the deal he wants, and the 26-year-old confirmed that was an option.
“That’s a card I could play. That comes up in conversation if something don’t get done by July 17. … We got a little bit of time in between there. When that date comes up, then I’ll have to sit down with my team, sit down with my family and make decisions. See what we’re going to do. What’s the next game plan? What’s the next move?
“… I think when you sit back and you look at it, obviously there is the situation where it happened with Le’Veon [Bell], and some people say it didn’t work out for him or whatever.”
– Saquon Barkley (via NFL.com)
Le’Veon Bell sat out all of the 2018 season during a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers and eventually got the contract he was looking for after a trade to the New York Jets in 2019.
Barkley’s comments escalate the situation between him and the organization to a level that is very concerning for the New York Giants’ hopes in 2023.