New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley stated this spring that he’s willing to hold out through training camp and sit out the entire 2023 NFL season if he doesn’t get the long-term contract he wants. Fortunately for the Giants, that might be avoided.
Barkley, age 26, was franchise tagged by New York after it signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a contract extension. Like his teammate, Barkley wanted a long-term deal that made him one of the highest-paid NFL players and keeps him in a Giants’ uniform for years to come.
- Saquon Barkley stats (2022): 1,312 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 10 rushing touchdowns, 338 receiving yards
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For now, Barkley is stuck with few alternatives. The $10 million franchise tag would offer him no long-term financial security and the salary doesn’t reflect the rising NFL salary cap. However, not signing the tag and sitting out next season would also be costly financially and for his career.
It’s become the biggest story for New York heading into training camp. While Barkley isn’t expected to be in attendance as of now, there is some optimism within the Giants’ organization.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Giants hold some optimism that Barkley will not only play for them this season but also agree to terms on a long-term deal to remain a core part of their franchise’s vision for the future.
“There is at least some level of optimism that these sides can come to an agreement at some point. They’ve been talking throughout the offseason. Giants ownership values Barkley; he’s considered a centerpiece-type player for them. But Barkley wants a stronger contract structure, most likely stronger guarantees in how that contract is structured. So, Giants have to find a sweet spot there.”
Jeremy Fowler on New York Giants’ optimism for a Saquon Barkley contract extension
New York has until July 17 to sign Barkley to a contract extension. If it can’t agree to terms by then, a deal can’t be made until the 2024 NFL offseason. It would then leave Barkley in a position where he must decide to either play on the franchise tag or sit out the season.
Latest on potential timeline for a Saquon Barkley contract extension
Giants’ training camp won’t begin until after the deadline passes, meaning Barkley’s representatives will be negotiating with the club in the next three weeks. While there’s significant uncertainty, the deadline also means there will be a definitive answer before training camp.
Related: Saquon Barkley a ‘real threat’ to holdout from New York Giants
Fowler went on to provide a timeline for contract negotiations, using the precedent set by New York early this spring when it extended Jones. Just as they did with the franchise quarterback, New York is expected to take things up to July 17 at the negotiating table with Barkley.
“This could go right up until that July 17 deadline. Keep in mind, when the Giants were deciding whether to franchise tag Daniel Jones or Saquon Barkley earlier this offseason, they took it up to like the final five minutes before getting a deal done with Jones at the deadline. Could be a similar situation.”
Jeremy Fowler on when a Saquon Barkley contract extension may happen
New York previously offered Barkley a multi-year extension reportedly worth a $14 million average annual value. While the salary is in the range he wants, guaranteed money is the biggest sticking point in the deal.
The two sides will likely ramp up talks in the next few days, determining if they can find common ground or if they are too far apart. The Giants also had optimism regarding their ability to extend Jones and even through some hurdles, a deal was eventually reached. Now, New York is hoping for the same end result with Barkley.