NFL insider says Giants' big decision is being watched closely by the rest of the league
Saquon Barkley has been a staple for New York Giants football since his career began. As one of the highest-touted running back prospects in recent memory, Barkley has been one of the top runners in the NFL when healthy. His combo of impact in the run and pass game is paralleled by few other RBs […]
Saquon Barkley has been a staple for New York Giants football since his career began.
As one of the highest-touted running back prospects in recent memory, Barkley has been one of the top runners in the NFL when healthy. His combo of impact in the run and pass game is paralleled by few other RBs in the league.
The Giants now have a conundrum on their hands with Barkley.
It's been reported that he would rather not play on the franchise tag. That's not surprising, especially at the RB position. That being said, the sides haven't agreed to a long-term deal, either.
This situation is being closely monitored by the rest of the NFL, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
The Saquon Barkley situation is one that many around the league are watching closely. GM Joe Schoen confirmed the Giants pulled their pre-franchise-tag offer, which some suspect is a result of the sagging running back market in free agency, when no tailback got more than $6.25 million per year.
But the Giants would still like to sign him long-term, so drawing too hard a line could risk locker-room morale issues with an elite player.
The Giants could afford to extend Barkley – given the market.
Ideally, the deal would be in the 3-4 year range, but the specifics of any offers haven't been made public yet. Barkley is ready to get locked down long-term one way or another.
Other teams know that, and the Giants do as well.
