After trying to reach a long-term agreement all offseason long, the New York Giants were finally able to get Saquon Barkley to sign on the dotted line early Tuesday morning. Yet, due to franchise tagging him earlier in the offseason, the only option available was a one-year contract for the Pro Bowl running back.
While Barkley and his camp were able to sweeten the original franchise tender a bit by getting an extension worth up to $11 million instead of the $10.09 million offer, the Giants reportedly considered other options along the way.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Giants called “a dozen” teams trying to find a taker for the former Offensive Rookie of the Year. Interestingly enough, Florio goes on to indicate it was actually Barkley’s camp that insisted on shopping him around. Yet, Barkley himself claims that the last part isn’t true.
True or not, the idea was that Barkley would be able to find a better contract offer elsewhere, to which Florio’s sources indicate he was seeking a rate near $15 million per season.
Again, it’s unknown how serious these reported trade discussions were, but according to one respected NFL insider, the Giants at least considered what life without their best offensive player could be like before reaching a one-year arrangement.
Now Barkley will embark on a revenge tour of sorts, showing all 32 teams that he deserves much more than the $10.09 million franchise tag calls for. Maybe he’ll even max out his available incentives, reaching the full $11 million plateau.
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