New York Giants superstar running back Saquon Barkley could be playing his final game as a Giant against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Barkley’s one-year contract expires after the season. The Giants will maintain leverage throughout impending negotiations, but Barkley could reach unrestricted free agency if discussions go sideways.
“I just want something that’s fair and that makes sense," Barkley told reporters regarding his contract status. "If it’s not here, hopefully, it’s some other place."
To Barkley's displeasure, Giants general manager Joe Schoen initially placed the franchise tag on him last summer. Barkley refused to sign the tag that would have paid a fully guaranteed $10.1 million in 2023. The two sides eventually agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal that provided Barkley with the opportunity to meet contract-related incentives. The Giants and Barkley could be headed for a second consecutive standoff.
The Giants reserve the right to place the franchise tag on Barkley for a second straight offseason. This time, the guaranteed salary figure has risen exponentially from $10.1 million to $12.109 million. That difference may not concern Schoen, who is currently scheduled to possess the 15th-most ($37.2 million) cap space, according to Spotrac. However, a sizable portion of the financial flexibility available to upgrade a five-win roster would disappear by committing $12.109 million to Barkley. It's also clear that Barkley, who'd prefer a long-term extension, wants to avoid a repeat of last summer's long-lasting negotiations.
Barkley has strung together a quality 2023 campaign despite dealing with an ankle injury. The Bronx, New York native has rushed for 916 yards and four touchdowns in 13 appearances. A dual-threat back, Barkley has added 39 receptions for 229 yards and four scores. He means as much as ever to the Giants offense.
It's unclear whether or not the Giants will consider Barkley's wishes when making the business decision that best suits their needs. If Barkley were to reach free agency, he'd be doing so in a loaded running back market that may also include Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, Tony Pollard, and Josh Jacobs, among other starting-caliber backs. Even in a depreciated running back market, Barkley would command attention from potential suitors as the premier free-agent back with the most upside to produce.
One thing that could aid Barkley, in East Rutherford or elsewhere, is the lack of high-end running back prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. While there are plenty of rotational-type value talents to be located in the mid-to-late rounds, there's no Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs-like elite first-round talent. Barkley could possess more leverage in discussions as a result.
The Giants and Barkley appear headed for another awkward standoff. Whether the two sides are capable of reaching an amicable solution remains to be determined. The franchise tag was the expected outcome last offseason. This time around, it feels significantly more realistic that Barkley could depart the Giants in favor of greener pastures.
