The situation between the New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley is one that a lot of people are keeping a close eye on. Barkley is currently away from the team as the two sides are attempting to work out a long-term contract for the star running back.
The Giants placed the franchise tag on him earlier this offseason after agreeing to a new contract with quarterback Daniel Jones. Barkley is an integral part of the team’s offensive game plan as the one true game-breaking playmaker that Big Blue has on the roster.
The two sides would assuredly love to continue their partnership but have yet to find common ground on a new contract. The Giants had a few offers on the table previously, but those were rescinded after seeing how compressed the running back market was this offseason.
There is no denying the level of talent that Barkley possesses. When healthy, there is a strong argument that could be made that he is the best running back in the NFL. However, are the Giants in a position to compensate him as such?
That is a big reason why Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report named Barkley as the one player that the Giants should consider trading before the 2023 season. Last season his talent was on full display with 1,650 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl nod.
He has made the Pro Bowl in both seasons he has been healthy, but in the other three, he has dealt with a multitude of injuries. Some, such as the ACL tear, were serious while others are of the nagging variety, which may be even more frustrating to deal with.
As Knox notes, it is extremely unlikely that Barkley is on the move via trade. He wants to be in New York and the franchise wants to keep him. However, if a team comes forth with an offer similar to what the Carolina Panthers received from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for Christian McCaffrey, they will have to think long and hard about pulling the trigger.
Barkley’s trade value may never be higher than it is right now. A team acquiring him can work out a new long-term deal and he is coming off a season in which he was quite healthy, playing in 16 games. Alas, moving him would create a huge void in their offense and very likely set back the progress Jones has made at the quarterback position.
