Giants RB Saquon Barkley just exposed the front office's true colors
The time has come, the deadline has passed and the New York Giants and Saquon Barkley are without a long-term deal, per multiple reporters of NFL Media. So now that we know what the future holds, let's discuss what it means for Barkley and the Giants: Barkley now approaches the 2023 season without the long-term […]
The time has come, the deadline has passed and the New York Giants and Saquon Barkley are without a long-term deal, per multiple reporters of NFL Media.
So now that we know what the future holds, let's discuss what it means for Barkley and the Giants:
Barkley now approaches the 2023 season without the long-term security he wants and with more questions than answers when it comes to the future of his NFL career.
The two-time Pro Bowler is only 26 years old, but his inability to stay healthy over the duration of his career paired with the growing trend to shaft running backs across the league has made him fungible in the eyes of New York's front office.
But here's why that's a mistake:
Barkley was the focal point, the catalyst, the straw that stirred the drink in last years offense. A new regime, a new offensive philolposhy, and question marks at every other offensive position, New York leaned on Barkley when it mattered most yet were nowhere to be found when it came time to put pen to paper.
One could argue that's the league's fault, not the Giants, but I beg to differ. Giants CEO and co-owner John Mara is known for having a special place in his heart for homegrown talent. You need look no further than this offseason, with extensions for players like Darius Slayton, Dexter Lawrence, and Daniel Jones, all of whom were drafted and developed by New York.
Yet arguably the best player on the team now approaches 2023 with nothing but a franchise tag to sign.
And yes, I know that Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard also failed to reach long-term extensions, but Vegas is being run by Bill Belichick disciples, and Dallas just witnessed Pollard suffer a devasting injury for a player that was a fourth-round pick, and has yet to show he can carry the load as a workhorse back.
That's what separates Saquon. This is a former second-overall pick, who has created some of the most dynamic plays in the sport when he's on the field and is proven to be a valuable asset.
Yet apparently New York views him as a liability, or at least in the long term.
And that's quite a bad look for a team known for loyalty, for "doing good" by their players. And sure, we can blame the HC or the GM but the buck stops at the top and John Mara along with Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll all have blood on their hands.
Featured image via: © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
