Giants, RB Saquon Barkley agree to terms on 1-year deal worth up to $11M. (via
@RapSheet. Well the Giants bring back their All-Pro running back, and Barkley doesn't miss a day of camp and still gets a chance to prove it again this year to get his big contract next year. Big Blue fans, rejoice!
But I think Barkley fucked up here. He can now be franchised tagged again next year. I think Barkley has showed tremendous character and poise in how he handled this situation. He easily could've sat out, pouted and waited to be paid or be compensated for his play. I think he values being a leader on this team and working towards bringing a championship back to NY, more than being an off the field distraction or story line.
Under NFL rules, Barkley can’t sign a long-term contract with the Giants this season, but he can sign a one-year deal that differs from the franchise tender, and that’s exactly what he’s done. Just days after Barkley indicated that he was angry with the team and considering sitting out, the Giants have made him happy.
The No. 2 overall pick in 2018 burst onto the scene in dynamic fashion, earning 2,028 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns on his way to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Then injuries began to pile up.Barkley earned another 1,000-yard rushing season in 2019 but played just 13 games, a sign of things to come. He suffered an ACL tear two games into 2020 and never looked himself in 2021. Barkley returned to form in 2022, rushing for 1,312 yards and 10 TDs on 295 carries, helping carry the Giants to a surprising playoff run.
Realistically, I think the Giants will run Barkley into the ground, and see how he performs and if he can stay healthy. But we have seen this in the NFL over the last several years. LeVeon Bell, Todd Gurley, among numerous others have been effected by this. Realistically I think the NFL should just take the franchise tag out of the game and have contract negotiations. Even Zeke Elliot, got paid, then was released and now is being considered to potentially brought back by the Cowboys at a cheaper price. Now well wait to see what happens with 2022 leading rusher, Josh Jacobs, and if he can work something out with the Las Vegas Raiders.