After months of a contractural standoff between the New York Giants and star running back Saquon Barkley, the two sides surprisingly agreed to a one-year deal that pays Barkley slightly more than he would have made playing on a franchise tag this season. But in order for Barkley to get the most out of his contract, the team must make it to the postseason.
The new contract offers Saquon Barkley multiple incentives to potentially increase his compensation. But according to NorthJersey.com, he will not be able to capitalize on any of those incentives unless the New York Giants also make the playoffs this year – which isn’t exactly completely in his control.
“In a surprise compromise, Barkley and the Giants have essentially agreed to replace the franchise tag value with a new 1-year deal worth up to $11 million, including a $2 million signing bonus, an individual with knowledge of the situation told NorthJersey.com on Tuesday morning,” Art Stapleton wrote for NorthJersey.com.
“None of the incentives trigger if the Giants fail to reach the playoffs, the individual said.”
It’s a pretty brutal move against Barkley to tie all of his incentives to a team accomplishment, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on social media.
Oh yeah he’s cooked https://t.co/KuHZMTYEOj
— B1G_Ryan (@B1G_Ryan) July 25, 2023
Confidence is important https://t.co/Phmw2MHGmo
— BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) July 25, 2023
If this is true, then this one year Saquon deal still does nothing to move the RB market forward imo.
Jacobs might be hosed here. https://t.co/PgfsfotrvP
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) July 25, 2023
The more details that come out … what a win for the Giants at this stage https://t.co/lj0O2otelq
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) July 25, 2023
Aw naw they put RB wins in the contract?!?!? https://t.co/ezwrVweelJ
— Vengeance. (@BJacks70) July 25, 2023
This is so bad that Barkley is basically assisting the sabotage of the RB markets. Treasonously stupid contract. Truly weak thinking https://t.co/VZs9pJduH3
— Mario Puig (@ThePostingScout) July 25, 2023
In addition to the contract provisions, Barkley can also still be franchise-tagged next year.
All in all, it’s not a great deal for Barkley.
