Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs onto the field before a wild card game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings
(East Rutherford, NJ) – Just in time.
The Giants and Saquon Barkley have agreed to terms to a new one-year deal worth up to $11 million. The contract consists of a $2 million signing bonus along with up to 909k in incentives.
Call it a temporary compromise, typically when a franchise tagged player reaches a new deal it’s a safe guess to assume it’s a long term contract. Not in this case, Barkley’s situation is one that doesn’t happen that frequently.
July 17th marked the deadline for a long term contract to get completed, however a new one-year contract was still a possibility. The deal ends any doubt of a possible holdout, with training camp underway tomorrow Barkley is expected to be present.
Barkley remains without a financially secured long-term contract, but can at least make more money this season than if he had simply played on the franchise tag. The 26-year-old will play on a one year prove it deal in hopes of earning the contract extension he desires.
New York appears to be the biggest winner in having their star player return to action, while delaying giving long-term financial security to a player at a position of decreasing value.