Saquon Barkley, the star running back for the New York Giants, is considering a Week 1 holdout if he does not receive a long-term deal from the team, according to ESPN. Barkley has expressed his desire to remain with the Giants this offseason, but the franchise tag is undesirable to him. Dianna Russini reported that Barkley’s availability for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys will be in serious question if he does not get a contract extension.
This is not a new stance from Barkley, as he previously hinted that he would consider sitting out the 2023 season without a contract extension. He has also not signed the $10.9 million franchise tag he received earlier this offseason. With the deadline for new deals approaching, Barkley may be applying pressure in negotiations by considering a holdout.
If Barkley does not sign a multiyear deal by July 17, he will be required to play the 2023 season under the one-year tag or forfeit the tag’s guaranteed salary by sitting out the season. As of this week, Barkley and the Giants are at a stalemate in contract talks, with both sides reportedly rejecting or rescinding offers.
Barkley is seeking a deal worth more than $14 million per year, which would make him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. The Giants have offered Barkley a contract worth $13 million annually, with $26 million over the first two years, according to Pro Football Talk. However, the team stated that they would rescind the offer if they applied the franchise tag. Barkley disputed this offer on social media.
Currently, only two other running backs in the league average more than $14 million per year: Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints and Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers. Barkley was a key player in coach Brian Daboll’s offense in the 2022 season, totaling 1,650 yards from scrimmage. However, he has been limited by injuries in the previous two seasons.
The deadline for Barkley and the Giants to reach a long-term deal is approaching, and it remains to be seen if they can come to an agreement before the start of the season. Barkley’s potential holdout adds another layer of uncertainty to the situation, as the Giants will have to consider their options if their star running back is not on the field for Week 1.
How does Saquon Barkley’s reported contemplation of a holdout in Week 1 affect the New York Giants and their chances of success?
Saquon Barkley, the renowned running back of the New York Giants, is reportedly contemplating a holdout in Week 1 if the team fails to provide him with a long-term contract. ESPN recently revealed this potential development. While Barkley has expressed his commitment to staying with the Giants during the offseason, he remains uninterested in the franchise tag. A report from Dianna Russini states that Barkley’s chances of participating in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys are now in serious doubt.
It’s always worrying when a player of Saquon Barkley’s caliber considers a holdout, especially as the contract deadline approaches. The Giants should prioritize securing their star running back’s future with a fair deal, as he is a vital asset to the team’s success.