Giants drama takes over NFL news cycle heading into camp
The NFL season is almost here, especially for the New York Giants, with rookies officially reporting to camp today (July 18th.) So while many teams are enthusiastic about their upcoming season, others have a dark cloud looming before things even start. And after yesterday's debacle, New York find's themselves on the wrong side of that […]
The NFL season is almost here, especially for the New York Giants, with rookies officially reporting to camp today (July 18th.)
So while many teams are enthusiastic about their upcoming season, others have a dark cloud looming before things even start.
And after yesterday's debacle, New York find's themselves on the wrong side of that equation:
What Happens Now?
Saquon and the Giants were unable to secure a long-term deal, but that's not even the biggest issue in New York. The Giants are only eight days away from their first training camp practice, and Saquon Barkley has yet to sign his franchise tag.
That means a holdout is likely looming, something Evan Winter of A to Z Sports discussed in his preseason storylines:
Both (Barkley and Vegas RB Josh Jacobs) have been pretty steadfast in their adamance toward the situation. Usually, this stuff is resolved before training camp. But as we saw with Jessie Bates and the Cincinnati Bengals last year, it can last into the preseason. And to a greater extent, they can hold out for the entire season like Le’Veon Bell did in 2018. -Evan Winter
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And that's the worst part about not coming to terms. This doesn't just hurt Barkley's financial future, it hurts the Giants but in a more acute manner. If Barkley is not on the field come week one, or even if he is but doesn't report to camp, the Giants offense will be a shell of itself.
These guys are key assets on their respective offenses, so both units will certainly take a step back if neither play in 2023. Add in the facts the New York Giants are trying to build off their playoff run and the Las Vegas Raiders are simply trying to stay above water and it’s easy to see why this situation is one to monitor.-Winter
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Winter's note about the Giants wanting to build off their playoff run is what cut's deepest in this whole scenario. You never want to stall momentum in the NFL. That could be as narrow as drive to drive, or as broad as season to season. The Giants had every reason to be optimistic heading into 2023.
But following their inability to pay arguably their most valuable asset, that momentum may come to a screeching halt.
For Winter's full list of preseason storylines, click here.
Giants RB Saquon Barkley just exposed the front office’s true colors
I guess it’s not practice what you preach after all
Featured image via: © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
