Over the past few weeks, the New York Giants and star running back Saquon Barkley were facing a pretty concerning situation as the running back was considering sitting out the entire 2023 NFL season after he and the team were unable to come to terms with a long-term contract extension. But it sounds like the two sides have come to a compromise.
According to Pro Football Talk, Saquon Barkley and the New York Giants have agreed to a one-year deal worth $11 million with a signing bonus of $2 million – slightly better than what he was set to be paid under a franchise tag.
“Although the guaranteed pay on Barkley’s deal is the same as the $10.1 million he would have made by signing the tender, the Giants agreed to add $900,000 in incentives so that Barkley can earn up to $11 million, and to pay $2 million up front now, rather than make Barkley wait until the regular season starts to begin earning his salary,” Michael David Smith wrote for Pro Football Talk.
It’s a major announcement, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on social media.
Pretty much same deal as tag, and extends the tag availability for the giants to use next year and beyond. He needs a new agent.
— ledtear ن (@ledtear) July 25, 2023
Franchise tag is still in play next year. Deal is the same but they gave him 2 million upfront. I wish him well and may draft him on my fantasy team.
— Marvin Wash (@mwash52) July 25, 2023
sheeesh… legit running backs can’t even get long term deals.. this doesn’t look good for jacobs either https://t.co/ioNGkfnNNa
— GB (@gb2times) July 25, 2023
Very little.
— Will 🎸 (@7willie3) July 25, 2023
That's what he's worth. The market spoke. The market said he was worth $2 million more when he turned down Giant's previous option, which was a bad gamble. Wonder how it's going to work out for Josh Jacobs?
— Magadonia Special .45 (@Endtimes905) July 25, 2023
So he signed a one year deal basically equal to the franchise tag amount? 🤔
— JumpingJeff (@JumpingJeff1) July 25, 2023
Of course, this now opens up the possibility that the Giants could use the franchise tag on Barkley next season, making it likely the same situation arises a year from now.
