Saquon Barkley looks set to play for the New York Giants for at least one more season.
Barkley and the Giants have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $11 million with a $2 million signing bonus, the NFL Network reported Tuesday. NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared the details behind the deal.
«When a player doesn’t make a long-term deal by the mid-July deadline, the only option is a 1-year deal,» he wrote. «But the two sides can trade that 1-year franchise tag into a new 1-year contract. It’s very rare. But that’s what happened here. Smart all around.»
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Saquon Barkley, #26 of the New York Giants, in action against the Carolina Panthers during a game at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
The drama between the Giants and Barkley began last week when the two sides failed to reach a long-term agreement. It set off alarm bells around the Giants, as it looked like Barkley would miss training camp and possibly regular season games.
According to the New York Post, the Giants’ final offer was for three years and around $11-11.5 million per year with guarantees of around $22-23 million. The numbers were reportedly within $1-2 million on both ends of the broker’s asking price.
Barkley was unhappy about being tagged from the get-go. New York tagged Barkley and later reached a long-term deal with quarterback Daniel Jones.
Saquon Barkley, #26 of the New York Giants, runs the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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The running back had his best year yet in 2022. It marked the first time he had played at least 16 games in a season since his rookie year. He rushed for 1,312 yards with 10 touchdowns. He also had 57 catches for 338 yards. He was a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career.
The brokers reportedly held a Zoom call to discuss their depressed market. Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb summed up the lack of opportunities.
«We’re a little handcuffed with the situation. We’re the only position where our production hurts the most. If we go out there and run [for] 2,000 yards with that many carries, next year, they’ll say, you’re probably exhausted. It’s hard. … It hurts us at the end of the day.”
Saquon Barkley poses for a photo on the red carpet during the NFL Awards at Symphony Hall on February 9, 2023 in Phoenix. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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Barkley is ready to be in training camp and probably ready to stake himself for the 2023 season.