National media outlet makes prediction for Giants' biggest remaining offseason task
The NFL offseason is almost over — training camp starts later this month — but the New York Giants aren't quite ready for the 2023 season to start. That's because New York has one major offseason task remaining that they need to handle before the season kicks off. The Giants still haven't come to an […]
The NFL offseason is almost over — training camp starts later this month — but the New York Giants aren't quite ready for the 2023 season to start.
That's because New York has one major offseason task remaining that they need to handle before the season kicks off.
The Giants still haven't come to an agreement with superstar running back Saquon Barkley.
Barkley had the franchise tag placed on him earlier this offseason, but he's yet to sign it as he continues to look for an extension.
The franchise tag deadline is on Monday at 4:00 PM ET. If the Giants and Barkley don't come to an agreement on an extension by the deadline, it means that Barkely will either have to play on the franchise tag in 2023 or not play at all.
SI.com, for what it's worth, thinks an extension will happen before the deadline.
From SI.com: This might be the toughest prediction from the four franchise-tagged players, but it’s a good sign that the Giants reportedly put the offer of $13 million per year back on the table after pulling it in March. Given how devalued the running back position has become, it’s a bit surprising that Barkley hasn’t accepted the offer, but perhaps the team lowballed him with how the contract was structured when it comes to guarantees. If Barkley is not looking to top Christian McCaffrey’s $16 million per year salary, perhaps a guaranteed contract around $25 million is enough to avoid a hold-in situation (in lieu of holding out at the start of training camp, players show up but don’t practice to avoid $50,000 per day fines) this summer. Also, the Giants have invested in their core group this offseason by re-signing quarterback Daniel Jones and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Barkley, 26, was instrumental in the Giants’ returning to the postseason last year. He had a bounce-back 2022 season, rushing for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns.
This has always seemed like the most likely outcome. It's not a surprise that an extension, if it happens, will have to get done at the buzzer. But that was always the expectation. There was no need for Barkley to give up his leverage and there was no need for the Giants to get it done with time to spare — that's just now negotiations go.
Ultimately, both sides likely know they need each other. Barkley is a dynamic player that can change the outcome of a game. And the Giants are the franchise most willing to pay him a significant amount of cash. It just makes sense that the two sides should be able to work out an extension.
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Featured image via Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
