Saquon Barkley‘s offseason contract negotiations, which ultimately led to a slight increase on the franchise tag but no long-term deal, helped jumpstart cross-country conversations about the value of a running back.
As we dig deeper into the 2023 campaign, those discussions could become heightened. Barkley missed three games this season due to injury and has carried the workload for a 2-8 Giants squad treading water.
The star RB is in a precarious spot. The Giants need him to have any semblance of an offensive threat with undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito under center. Yet every tote he takes will be used against him in offseason contract negotiations.
It’s better for Barkley not to ponder over the conundrum every day.
“Yeah, it’s really crazy when you break it down like that. It’s just the way the business is,” Barkley said, via ESPN. “When you’re a premier back in this league — not to talk about myself — they feed you the ball because it helps you and gives you an opportunity to win games more times than not. And then when it comes to contract or a certain time and you’re a running back, you having so much miles on you, it’s a crazy concept.
I do my utmost to avoid dwelling on that, as it would drive me crazy. Instead, I concentrate on my passion for the game, look after my physical health, and wait for the chance to negotiate another contract – be it with the Giants or a different team. Ideally, I’ll be able to use my performance footage or statistics to secure a contract that benefits me and my family the most.
Barkley brushed off questions about whether there would come a point when he should consider his own future and not play through injury as he deals with an ankle issue. Despite being limited in practice, he is expected to play this week against the Washington Commanders.
However, when asked about what he learned from last season’s negotiations and the club’s use of the franchise tag, Barkley did not hold back his words.
“He declared, “Loyalty holds no value. Regardless of your commitment or loyalty, it’s all business ultimately. That’s a lesson I’ve come to understand.”
The Giants will have the opportunity to use the franchise tag on Barkley once again this offseason, a move that might escalate drama in New York in 2024, indicating that the business of football will persist.
