While previous reports claimed the New York Giants offered Saquon Barkley a contract with a huge annual rate last year, it seems that the details of the offer may have been inaccurate.
With the New York Giants in the midst of their June mini-camp, the biggest story around the organization is not about trying to take another major leap forward after a surprise season in 2022. No the headlines around the team are all about the future of star running back Saquon Barkley.
Related: New York Giants star threatens sitting out season amid contract dispute
The two-time Pro Bowler was blocked from testing free agency when the team slapped their franchise tag on him in March. However, he has not signed the tender and isn’t attending the team’s mini-camp as his representatives and the organization have discussions about a new long-term contract.
Reports this spring claimed that the 26-year-old actually had the chance to sign an extension on two occasions last year, and the offer was believed to be for $13 million annually. Which would have placed him among the highest-paid running backs in the league. Yet, he turned them down to hopefully test his value on the open market.
New York Giants record (2022): 9-7-1
The decision was a surprise considering the volatility of the running back market in the NFL. However, it seems his passing on the offers may have not been as strange as some thought. On Tuesday, New York Daily News Giants reporter Pat Leonard revealed some new information on those previous contract offers.
“Any of these reported $13 million-per-year offers were much lower in real value due to some combination of mechanisms such as low guaranteed money and per-game roster bonuses. … Frankly, if this ever reached a point where Barkley got offered a contract with acceptable guaranteed money that averaged $13 million a year, it would be a mistake for him to not sign it.
” … Of course, if the Giants are willing to discuss the $13 million annual number at all, it theoretically should put both sides in the ballpark to get a deal done.”
– Pat Leonard
It does make far more sense for Saquon Barkley to turn down a deal worth $9-$10 million per year when there was a belief the free agent market could have landed him more in the spring. It will be interesting to see if the team increases their previous offers at all to avoid Barkley sitting out for months.