On the verge of football training camp, the New York Giants and their loyal fan base received some promising news that will surely ignite anticipation for the upcoming season. The talented Saquon Barkley has made the decision to join the team for training camp, armed with a new one-year deal.
Unfortunately, negotiations between the team and the running back regarding a long-term extension did not materialize before the NFL’s July 17 deadline for franchise tag players to secure extended contracts. However, both parties have agreed on a short-term deal for the 2023 season, offering Barkley an opportunity to surpass the current franchise tag figure for running backs.
As per the current CBA franchise tag structure, running backs under the franchise tag typically receive slightly over $10 million for a season. Nonetheless, reports indicate that Barkley and the Giants have reached an agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $11 million, which includes a $2 million signing bonus.
The revelation was met with surprise and excitement, as Ian Rapoport tweeted:
“Surprise! The #Giants and star RB Saquon Barkley agreed to terms on a new 1-year deal worth up to $11M, sources say, as Barkley gives himself a chance to beat the franchise tag. He gets a $2M signing bonus. Bottom line: Barkley is coming in & will be at training camp.”
Among the three running backs—Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard—who received the franchise tag from their respective teams, none was able to secure long-term deals. This situation, coupled with the evolving value NFL teams place on the running back position, has sparked widespread debate. Other running backs took to social media to express their frustration when the deadline passed without a long-term deal.
Over the past weekend, Barkley and a group of running backs convened on a Zoom call to discuss the financial landscape surrounding their position. It remains to be seen if Jacobs and Pollard will adopt a similar approach in the days to come. Additionally, it will be intriguing to learn the finer details of Barkley’s deal. Although his tag number was projected to be $10.091 million, and the new deal is worth “up to $11 million,” it is crucial to ascertain if the amount Barkley was expecting under the tag is guaranteed. As they say, the devil is in the details.
According to insider Josina Anderson, the tag number is indeed guaranteed, as she reported:
“#Giants RB Saquon agrees to a 1-year deal this am, per source. I’m told Barkley gets the franchise tag figure of $10.1M, plus an opportunity to make 909k in incentives for a total of 11M. The #Giants gave him $2M of the $10.1M in signing bonus.”
This development is a breath of fresh air for the Giants who aspire to reclaim their spot in the playoffs after a remarkable postseason performance last year.
As training camp commences, all eyes will be on Barkley and his ability to shine, surpassing expectations while carrying the Giants’ offensive load. The team and fans both eagerly await the start of the season with renewed optimism, firmly believing that Barkley’s presence will pave the way for a successful campaign ahead.
As the details of the deal emerge, the solidity of the Giants’ commitment to their star running back will become clearer. For now, the focus remains on Barkley’s arrival at training camp, as the Giants continue their journey towards greatness.
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