Appearing at his youth football camp this weekend, disgruntled New York Giants star Saquon Barkley spilled the tea on his ongoing contract dispute.
Barkley is willing to take it to the limit.
The two-time Pro Bowl running back suggested that he’s willing to sit out the season if a compromise can’t be reached.
Saquon Barkley: “It’s all about respect.” Said he’s not trying to reset the RB market. Wants to remain a Giant for life. Sitting out the season is part of conversation if there is no deal by July 27. #Giants pic.twitter.com/tKPDIAOdVk
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) June 11, 2023
“I’m not looking to set any contract records,” said Barkley, confirming he will not attend the team’s mandatory minicamp later this week. “My goal is just to be compensated respectfully based on my contributions to the team on the field and in the locker room.”
Prioritizing quarterback Daniel Jones, the recipient of a four-year, $160-million extension, the Giants elected to use the $10.1-million franchise tag on Barkley, which he has yet to sign. Barkley enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2022, rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards while helping the Giants end a six-year playoff drought.
However, Barkley’s injury history combined with the relatively short shelf life of running backs have made the Giants understandably wary of a long-term commitment.
“I’ve been in talks with the Giants throughout the offseason,” said Barkley, who ranked fourth in rushing yards last season behind only Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb. “If at some point, there’s a deal that is fair to both sides on the table, I’ll be ready to sign.”
Giants’ franchise RB Saquon Barkley confirmed after the Saquon Barkley Youth Football Camp in Jersey City, NJ today that he will not be at his team’s mandatory minicamp this week. Barkley still has not signed his franchise tender.
His words: pic.twitter.com/O8nFQujZG0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 12, 2023
Two important deadlines loom for the Giants and Barkley with July 15th representing the final day the sides can strike a long-term deal, followed by the start of training camp on July 27th.
Losing Barkley for any amount of time would be a crushing blow to a Giants offense that ranked fourth in rushing yards per game (148.2) but only 26th in passing (185.7) last season.
