Saquon Barkley’s Week 1 Availability in Jeopardy Without Long-Term Deal with Giants
Running back Saquon Barkley’s availability for Week 1 of the NFL season is in serious question if he fails to reach a long-term deal with the New York Giants by Monday, according to a source close to the situation. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that Barkley and the Giants have until 4 p.m. ET on Monday to finalize a deal, otherwise, Barkley will not be eligible to be re-signed until after the 2023 season.
As the deadline approaches, it appears that both sides are at a stalemate. Barkley, who finished fourth in the NFL with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season, has made it clear that he is not interested in playing under the franchise tag, which would come with a $10.1 million salary for this season. In fact, Barkley stated at his Athletes Making Progress Together football camp last month that if he doesn’t receive a long-term deal by July 17, he would consider sitting out. However, he also mentioned that he hadn’t given it much thought at the time.
The entire contract situation has left Barkley frustrated and upset, particularly with the leaked stories that he believes portrayed him in an inaccurate light. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “Me getting tagged, was I upset about it? Nobody wants to get tagged. To sit here and say I was frustrated, I was mad, I was upset, what really got me upset was the stories that got leaked out, how misleading they were and how untruthful they were.” Barkley feels that these stories were an attempt to create a false narrative about him.
Negotiating a new contract has been an eye-opening experience for Barkley, who has come to realize that football is ultimately a business. With only five days left to reach an agreement, both Barkley and the Giants have a major decision to make.
If a deal is not reached, Barkley will have to consider whether or not to sit out the entire season. The last player to make this decision was running back Le’Veon Bell in 2018, and history has not been kind to him. Bell signed with the New York Jets the following season but never regained his previous form.
In order to avoid a similar fate, it is crucial for Barkley and the Giants to find common ground and come to an agreement before the deadline. Barkley’s performance on the field has proven his worth, as he has consistently been one of the league’s top running backs. In addition to his impressive rushing yards and touchdowns, Barkley also tied for the team lead with 57 receptions last season.
The Giants undoubtedly recognize Barkley’s value to the team and the impact he has on their offense. Losing him for any amount of time would be a significant blow to their chances of success in the upcoming season. It is in their best interest to secure Barkley’s services for the long term and ensure that he remains a cornerstone of their franchise.
From Barkley’s perspective, he deserves a contract that reflects his contributions and abilities. As one of the league’s premier running backs, he has proven himself time and time again on the field. Barkley’s desire for a long-term deal is understandable, as it provides stability and security for his future.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether Barkley and the Giants can find common ground and reach an agreement before Monday’s deadline. The next few days will be crucial in determining Barkley’s availability for Week 1 of the NFL season. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting news of any developments in this contract negotiation.
In the meantime, Barkley will continue to prepare for the upcoming season, regardless of the contract situation. His focus remains on improving his skills and helping the Giants succeed on the field. While the uncertainty surrounding his contract may be a distraction, Barkley is determined to stay focused and perform at the highest level.
As the deadline looms, all eyes will be on Barkley and the Giants. The outcome of this contract negotiation will have significant implications for both parties involved. Whether Barkley takes the field in Week 1 or sits out the entire season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the clock is ticking, and a decision must be made.