Giants: Latest news about Saquon Barkley is sure to surprise some
While NFL fans eagerly await the return of football, Giants fans just want to see the return of Saquon Barkley. His unwillingness to sign his franchise tag means he can't participate in the team's offseason program, rendering him unavailable during this OTA period. But following some news from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Giants fans have a […]
While NFL fans eagerly await the return of football, Giants fans just want to see the return of Saquon Barkley.
His unwillingness to sign his franchise tag means he can't participate in the team's offseason program, rendering him unavailable during this OTA period.
But following some news from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Giants fans have a reason to be optimistic.
A Pro Bowler in 2022, Barkley proved he is one of if not the best running back in the NFL when he's healthy. He set career highs in rushing yards (1312) and yards per game (82) striking pay-dirt 10 times over the course of the season.
The native New Yorker wants to stay with the Giants, but he has a price, and despite some early headway in negotiations, the two sides have been at an impasse for the last few months.
But that could soon change according to ESPN's national writer Jeremy Fowler. A recent appearance on SportsCenter allowed him to share his findings, addressing the latest on the situation in New York:
“What are you hearing about talks with the Giants and Barkley,” asked SportsCenter host Jay Harris:”
“So I checked in on this,” said Fowler. “I was told no major movement right now. You can expect Barkley to continue to miss time because he's unsigned on that franchise tag. And so it was told to me there is a waiting game here, so no major sweating going on at the Giants headquarters right now because you have until July 15th, that's the franchise tag deadline to come out with a potential deal."
"But there is some optimism in that building that hopefully they can come to some sort of agreement. This is a player that ownership really values as sort of a cornerstone pillar type player coming off a huge year, clearly a top-five running back in the NFL. And so I know the team is also encouraged. Saquon has been in contact with some coaches, he's been in contact with some teammates, they see that as a good sign, so we'll see where it goes.”
So the waiting game is sure to continue, with both sides continuing to hold firm. The good news is that the two parties seem to be cordial, and keep the lines of communication open. And with July 15th looming, as one NFL GM said, "I don't need more time, I need a deadline."
Featured image via: © Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
