Jordan RaananESPN Staff Writer Jun 11, 2023 10:06pm ET5 minutes read
Saquon Barkley opens up about the Giants’ contract negotiations
Saquon Barkley shares his thoughts on a possible new deal with the New York Giants.
JERSEY CITY, NJ — When running back Saquon Barkley was asked at his AMPT football camp how optimistic he was about getting a long-term contract from the New York Giants this year, he paused and seemed unsure what the right answer is. Perhaps it was an indication that he is not thrilled with the way the negotiations have gone so far.
“I don’t know it. I don’t know,” Barkley said of his optimism.
The Giants used the franchise tag for Barkley earlier this year. He hasn’t signed it yet, which keeps him away from the facility this spring. There is a mandatory mini-camp in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Barkley cannot and will not attend.
The two sides have until July 17 to agree on a new deal. This gives Barkley hope that there is still time.
“I think they are open to talks. I’m open to discussion,” Barkley said. “I think at the end of the day there’s no rush if you really break it down and look at it as a whole. There is still time to come until July 17th. July 17 is not tomorrow. That’s not it.” in a week. That’s how I see it. Maybe that’s the naive point of view, I could be completely wrong. But for me it is how I see it. I could be completely wrong. Hopefully. I have faith with the Giants that we were able to achieve something.
If they fail to find a happy medium, the veteran running back said he will at least consider sitting out the season.
“That comes up in conversation if something isn’t done by July 17,” said Barkley, who also indicated he hadn’t given it much thought.
Barkley later added on the whole contract situation: “Ultimately it’s all about respect. It really is.”
The Giants made Barkley an offer earlier this year that could have been worth nearly $14 million per season, sources told ESPN. Barkley and his team declined.
That perception left a negative taste in Barkley’s mouth. He said he believes he’s perceived as “greedy,” although he’s made it clear he’s never interested in reinventing the running back market and wants to remain a giant for life.
“I got tagged, was I upset about that? Nobody wants to be tagged,” Barkley said. “To sit here and say I was frustrated, I was angry, I was upset. What really upset me was the stories that leaked and how misleading they were and how untrue they were.”
“I feel like it was about drawing a narrative of me, drawing a picture of me that isn’t even true. Not even close to the truth.”
Trying to negotiate a new contract was an eye-opening process.
“Just realize that this is a deal,” Barkley said.
When asked specifically about the lack of guaranteed money on those unmentioned deals, Barkley told reporters present at Caven Point Field — where 150 inner-city youth were being invited to a free camp — to read between the two lines. That the devil is in the details.
Meanwhile, if Barkley plays along as a franchise player, he’ll be making $10.1 million this season.
In recent years it has become increasingly difficult to get paid at the running back position. The running back market plummeted this season break, in part because three backs — Barkley, Las Vegas’ Josh Jacobs and Dallas’ Tony Pollard — were all tagged.
But Barkley sees his value to the Giants, who he says had a one-sided dominance of football in the first half of last season. He rushed for at least 70 yards in eight of his first nine games.
Barkley led the team with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns and tied for the team lead with 57 receptions. He’s also been the face of the franchise since becoming the #2 overall draft pick in 2018.
“I understand [the running back market]. I’m aware of that,” Barkley said. “I feel like I’m more than that.” I feel like we’ve finally gotten to a point where we’re a winning team. We had to start winning games and I had a big part in that.”
Barkley remains one of the Giants’ most respected players. He is a team captain who demands respect from his teammates. Among those supporting Barkley’s camp and on hand Sunday night were recently paid defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, new teammate Darren Waller, linebacker Micah McFadden, cornerbacks Darnay Holmes and Amani Oruwariye and even defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
The Giants (9-7-1) made the playoffs and last season won a postseason game for the first time in Barkley’s pro career.
Barkley told ESPN’s Adam Schefter his goal will continue to be “compensated in a respectful manner, based on my contributions to the team on the field and in the dressing room.”
“I’ve been in conversation with the Giants all offseason,” Barkley said. “If at some point there’s a deal on the table that’s fair to both sides, I’m ready to sign it.”