The New York Giants and star running back Saquon Barkley were unable to reach a long-term agreement by the franchise tag deadline, according to a team source. As a result, Barkley will have to play under the franchise tag tender, which is a one-year deal worth $10.1 million. He will not be eligible for a long-term contract extension until after the 2023 regular season.
Barkley is coming off his most productive season since his rookie year in 2018. In 2022, he recorded career highs with 1,312 rushing yards on 295 carries and 10 touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game with 57 receptions for 338 yards. This performance showcased Barkley’s ability to bounce back from multiple injuries, including knee and ankle ailments in 2020 and 2021.
Despite not having negotiating leverage anymore, Barkley has hinted at his displeasure with the franchise tag. He previously mentioned the possibility of sitting out if an agreement couldn’t be reached. Now that the deadline has passed, Barkley will have to decide whether he will report to training camp and beyond. ESPN reported that his availability for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys could be in serious question if a long-term deal wasn’t reached.
Another option for Barkley to express his frustration is to request a trade. However, it is unlikely that the Giants would entertain this idea since they have their star running back under the franchise tag.
For the Giants, the focus now shifts to how Barkley will react to not getting a long-term deal. If he chooses to hold out of training camp, the team will have to continue operating without him. Barkley has been a key part of the Giants’ offense and his absence would be significant. Additionally, there may be concerns about the impact of Barkley’s rift with the team on the locker room. As one of the longest-tenured Giants and a respected voice within the team, his absence will be felt.
On the field, Barkley has been one of the most utilized running backs in the league. Advanced metrics show that he had the best single-season EPA (Expected Points Added) per rush rate of his career in 2022. While his EPA-per-target/rush rate may not be impressive, his ability to make an impact on the ground is evident.
Financially, Barkley’s situation is also worth noting. Comparing his average value per year to other top running backs, it is clear that he is among the highest-paid players at his position.
In conclusion, the New York Giants and Saquon Barkley were unable to reach a long-term agreement by the franchise tag deadline. Barkley will now have to play under the franchise tag tender for the 2023 season. The focus now shifts to how Barkley will respond and whether he will report to training camp. His absence would be significant for the Giants both on and off the field. Despite not securing a long-term deal, Barkley’s performance and financial value remain impressive.