Former Patriots legend sends message to Saquon Barkley amidst failed contract talks
It has been a busy day in the NFL as the deadline for franchised players to agree to long-term contracts has passed. While no New England Patriots players were involved, one former star did send a message to Saquon Barkley, who couldn't come to an agreement with the New York Giants. Just six minutes before the […]
It has been a busy day in the NFL as the deadline for franchised players to agree to long-term contracts has passed.
While no New England Patriots players were involved, one former star did send a message to Saquon Barkley, who couldn't come to an agreement with the New York Giants.
Just six minutes before the 4 p.m. EST deadline, Barkley tweeted, "It is what it is."
Former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman responded to Barkley's tweet, writing, "Head up. Keep grinding bubs."
Barkley was not alone on Monday, with fellow backs Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders) and Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys) also having to play the 2023 season on the franchise tag despite not agreeing to deals.
While Pollard signed his tender, Barkley and Jacobs didn't and as a result are expected to not attend training camp. Dianna Russini also reported that Barkley might not play in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys if he doesn't get a desirable long-term deal.
The New York Post reports that the Giants best offer included $19.5 million guaranteed, with two franchise tags guaranteeing him $22.2 million. This guaranteed number is much lower than any deal given to top RBs in recent offseasons.
A few other running backs have spoken publicly regarding the failed contract talks, defending the running backs.
SNY reporter Connor Hughes asked on social media, "Why should the Giants pay a boatload to Saquon Barkley when 31 other teams have realized no running back should be paid a boatload?"
Darius Slayton, Barkley's teammate, was clearly very upset over this question, responding to Hughes.
Here are some of the other reactions from players across the league:
Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans)
"At this point, just take the RB position out of the game then. The ones that want to be great & work as hard as they can to give their all to an organization, just seems like it don't even matter. I'm with every RB that's fighting to get what they deserve," Henry wrote on Twitter.
*Dalvin Cook retweeted Henry's comment
Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers)
"I agree with my running back brothers around the NFL- history will show that you need running backs to win- we set the tone every game and run trough walls for our team and lead in many ways- this notion that we deserve less is a joke," Harris wrote on Twitter.
Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers)
"This is the kind of trash that has artificially devalued one of the most important positions in the game. Everyone knows it’s tough to win without a top RB and yet they act like we are discardable widgets. I support any RB doing whatever it takes to get his bag," Ekeler wrote on Twitter.
Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)
"This is Criminal. Three of the best PLAYERS in the entire league, regardless of position," McCaffrey wrote on Twitter.
Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts)
"1. If you’re good enough, they’ll find you.
2. If you work hard enough, you’ll succeed.
…If you succeed…
3. You boost the Organization
…and then…
Doesn’t matter, you’re a RB," Taylor wrote on Twitter.
Featured Image via Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
