Like the rest of the Giants’ 2023 season, Saquon Barkley hasn’t quite replicated the success of 2022.
This doesn’t imply that he hasn’t had an impact. Averaging four yards per attempt on the field (916 yards and four touchdowns on 229 attempts), Barkley has been able to achieve positive gains, even though he has been playing behind a constantly changing offensive line. However, this point will merely serve as a minor detail when considering his future and financial prospects.
Barkley desires to be in New York in 2024 and the years following, regardless of the difficulties faced in 2023. Nevertheless, he is uncertain if this will be possible.
“I’ve mentioned before that I want to be a Giant for life,” Barkley said, via ESPN. “That was a goal of mine when I got drafted. I wanted to leave a legacy here, but it’s out of my control.”
Barkley had to battle intensely for a quality salary in 2023, agreeing to a revised deal resembling the one offered to him by the franchise tag. New York declined to commit to Barkley long term, instead handing quarterback Daniel Jones $160 million over four years, and decided to proceed with a prove-it deal for the star running back.
Jones has been out of action for some time now. In contrast, Barkley has participated in 13 out of a possible 16 games, shouldering the burden for a Giants offense that has provided him with little space to manoeuvre.
Despite not playing the game’s crucial position and having a role with a notoriously short lifespan, he still plays a part. Considering this and Barkley’s injury history, it seems improbable that he will secure a sought-after multi-year deal from the Giants, particularly after they underperformed in 2023.
Barkley stated, “I remain as open-minded as I have always been. All I’m seeking is fairness… But as I’ve mentioned before, I understand it’s all part of the business. If it doesn’t happen here, hopefully it will somewhere else.”
The NFL world was reminded of Barkley’s talents in 2022, following a resurgence after his skills had been obscured by injuries for the better part of the previous two seasons. Although it seemed like an ideal time for Barkley to secure a multi-year contract, New York opted to place the franchise tag on him, barring him from entering free agency.
This time, it appears more probable that the Giants won’t tag him. Barkley also realizes that his opportunities to profit in the open market are dwindling with each passing year.
Barkley stated, “I am aware that if I decide to strike, the time is now. This is likely my final chance to secure a second deal. After this, the perspective and treatment of running backs isn’t necessarily advantageous if you consider it in that light.”
I would absolutely adore securing a second deal.
Barkley, should he enter free agency, will do so at the prime age of 27 as a running back (his birthday is in February) with ample vitality left. His recent performance, along with his early seasons and his time at Penn State, demonstrates that he still possesses the explosiveness that set him apart. Given a team with superior blocking capabilities, he has the potential to excel.
The value of it is yet to be determined. However, from Barkley’s perspective, he has no intention of wasting time fretting over the future, believing that everything will eventually fall into place.
