The New York Giants are currently stuck between a rock and a hard place. Their star running back, Saquon Barkley, is currently not with the team because of his contract situation. The situation didn’t get any better this week and Saquon Barkley made it clear that he will not be attending any practice, even the mandatory minicamp, without a new deal.
The Giants placed the franchise tag on him earlier this offseason after working out a long-term deal with quarterback Daniel Jones. A contract offer that would have paid Saquon Barkley about $13 million annually was on the table at one point, but with the depressed running back market, general manager Joe Schoen and the team rescinded the deal.
That has led to some contention between the two sides. Earlier this week, Saquon Barkley shared his opinion on the matter and he wasn’t thrilled about receiving the franchise tag. He was not happy about some of the leaks that have occurred, including news of the contract being rescinded.
That has led to some bold comments being made by Saquon Barkley. He has said that sitting out the entire 2023 season is a card he could play down the line if a new contract isn’t reached between him and the team before the July 17th deadline.
That certainly isn’t something the Giants or their fans want to hear. Saquon Barkley is the most important piece of their offense as the one true dynamic playmaker the team can rely on week in and week out. While nervousness about his future mounts, one NFL analyst doesn’t believe there is anything to worry about.
Former NFL player Brian Baldinger, who is now part of NFL Network, made an appearance on NFL Total Access this week. He believes Saquon Barkley isn’t going to miss any games and will be in the lineup in Week 1.
Going the Le’Veon Bell route is the last thing that the Giants want to have to happen with Saquon Barkley. The franchise tag ensures that he will be with Big Blue for at least one more season, but everyone would be put at ease with a new contract being worked out before then.
If Saquon Barkley isn’t in the lineup in Week 1, it will be tough for the Giants to replicate and eventually surpass their production from last season. On the depth chart behind him at running back are veteran Matt Brieda, Gary Brightwell and rookie Eric Gray.
