While the New York Giants might be without disgruntled star Saquon Barkley, the team needed to respond to that thought. And so, the Giants picked up a veteran running back on Friday. New York signed tailback James Robinson to a short-term deal.
“The Giants have signed former Jets and (briefly) Patriots RB James Robinson to a 1-year deal,” Ian Rapoport tweeted on Friday afternoon. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed yet.
The #Giants have signed former #Jets and (briefly) #Patriots RB James Robinson to a 1-year deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2023
The Giants are preparing to potentially be without their star running back, Barkley, this season. Saquon is disgruntled with his contract situation after the former Penn State standout, and the team couldn’t come to terms on a long-term contract. The Giants franchise-tagged Barkley, but he has all but threatened to hold out and miss training camp. And, potentially, the season as well.
So New York made the move for Robinson, who joins his fourth team. He’s had a dizzying career thus far, as he’s played for four teams in just three seasons. The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him in 2020, and he spent over two seasons with the team. He rushed for 2,177 yards and 18 touchdowns with the team before he moved to the New York Jets. With the Jets, Robinson played limitedly, with just 29 carriers for 85 yards.
In short, it feels like an insurance policy move, just in case. The NFL world reacted to the news.
Clearly a move that is in response to the failed extension with Saquon https://t.co/yMR9woKhoO
— Ashley (@ashleymoynahan) July 21, 2023
Congrats to the former Illinois State All-American on his new deal. https://t.co/hVs74gSSrR
— Randy Reinhardt (@Pg_Reinhardt) July 21, 2023
Live look at Saquon Barkley as James Robinson is moving his stuff into the Giants locker room. https://t.co/kpZWhf7gfl pic.twitter.com/188S0a26N4
— Jonathan Impemba (@jimpemba777) July 21, 2023
Another veteran in the RB room … #NYGiants always seeking more depth…Ran for 1,000 yds and 7 tds as a rookie with 2020 jaguars https://t.co/7NUdze0bvO
— GiantsWFAN (@giantswfan) July 21, 2023
