Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: NFC Divisional Round-New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
(New York, NY) – According to reports, the New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley aren’t close to reaching a contract agreement. It seems Barkley, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, could end up moving on from the team that drafted him.
According to the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz, there is a “gap” between the team’s front office and Barkley’s camp. Schwartz says the team is unlikely to offer Barkley above $12.5 million per season. That would be well below the average annual salary owed to star running backs like Alvin Kamara, Christian McCaffrey, and Ezekiel Elliott.
The Giants are working with additional cap room this offseason, but have other work to do as well – including resigning QB Daniel Jones. Jones wants much more than the team has offered, possibly as much as $45 million per year. With those kind of expectations, it seems almost certain that Jones will get the franchise tag. The Giants, like all teams, have one tag to use each year
If Barkley’s price gets too high, team officials could become worried about their ability to get other deals done. It’s currently unclear what the 26-year-old’s market looks like. He has five years of NFL mileage, and he plays a position that owners have been reluctant to pay.
For now? Stay tuned.
