Not all people is satisfied that New York Giants operating again Saquon Barkley will play come September with out a long-term deal.
ESPN NFL insider Dianna Russini tweeted Wednesday that the Giants and Barkley “stay at a stalemate” relating to contract talks forward of Monday’s deadline for groups to signal franchise-tagged gamers:
Moreover, Russini instructed that Barkley might depart the franchise tag unsigned and stay away from the Giants by way of at the very least their regular-season opener versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 10:
Barkley indicated final month he might sit out regular-season video games if he stayed on monitor to play on the $10.091M franchise tender for 2023. Nonetheless, in-the-know people equivalent to Professional Soccer Speak’s Mike Florio and CBS Sports activities’ Joel Corry repeatedly have made it recognized this summer time they imagine the 26-year-old is bluffing and “simply posturing” amid negotiations.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs All-Professional tight finish Travis Kelce is amongst those that suggested Barkley to play on the tag, if mandatory, to keep away from forfeiting any assured money for the upcoming season. As lately as Tuesday, Fox Sports activities NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano stated Barkley will finally signal the tag as a result of the 2018 first-round draft choose “is a usually good man and nice teammate.”
Barkley’s camp reportedly rejected a contract earlier this 12 months that would’ve gone as excessive as $14M per season. It is unknown how a lot assured cash was connected to that deal, however it’s assumed Barkley is in search of greater than $22.22M in complete ensures that will match the costs of the franchise tags for the following two campaigns.
The Giants used the non-exclusive franchise tag to retain Barkley’s rights for 2023 the identical day it was discovered they and quarterback Daniel Jones agreed to a four-year contract that may very well be value as much as $160M with $82M assured. Per ESPN stats, Barkley completed final common season fourth within the league with 1,312 dashing yards and 295 carries. He scored 10 dashing touchdowns and shared the group lead in receptions with 57.
