Giants’ Saquon Barkley: I Want a ‘Fair’ and ‘Makes Sense’ Contract in the NFL FA
Saquon Barkley is set to enter free agency again this offseason after spending the 2023 season on a one-year, $11 million contract, and the New York Giants running back is simply trying to get a fair deal ahead of the 2024 season.
“All I want is something fair and reasonable.” “That’s all there is to it,” Barkley told reporters on Wednesday. “I believe I was upfront and honest about it last year.” I still believe that, but as I previously stated, I understand that it is a business, and if it is not here, hopefully it will be somewhere else.”
Barkley was initially assigned the $10.1 million franchise tag by the Giants for 2023 until the two parties agreed to a one-year, $11 million contract.
Since putting pen to paper on the contract, Barkley has reiterated multiple times that he hopes to spend his entire career with the Giants, which selected him second overall in the 2018 draft out of Penn State.
“I want to create a legacy, and the way you do that is by continuing to stay with a team through your whole career,” Barkley told reporters in October. “As I see the NFL and realize the business, you know, it’s less likely for that to happen for players. But if you’re able to accomplish that, it’s special.”
Barkley has played a major role in the New York offense since making his debut in 2018, winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and earning two Pro Bowl selections in his first five seasons.
However, injuries derailed his career in 2020 and 2021 before he rebounded in 2022 with a Giants squad that reached the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 campaign. He rushed for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games, in addition to catching 57 passes for 338 yards.
Despite an ankle ailment, Barkley had a good 2023 season, rushing for 916 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games and collecting 39 catches for 229 yards and four scores.
Despite Barkley’s best efforts, the Giants are 5-11 and out of contention for the playoffs.
While it is evident that Barkley is an important element of the New York offense, it is unclear what the Giants’ plans are for their best player in terms of a contract in a depressed running back market.
Barkley can be franchised again in 2024 for $12.109 million, though it’s evident he wants to avoid a repetition of the 2023 season.
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