New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley could be looking for another team if he and N.Y. can’t agree on contract terms.
Barkley is coming off a resurgent season that saw him return to the upper echelon of NFL running backs. The former first-round pick rushed for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns to go along with 338 receiving yards.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen has said the team “hopes” to keep Barkley in the fold, but they must also negotiate a contract with quarterback Daniel Jones if he’s in their plans. It might get too pricey for the team to keep both guys.
A report has surfaced indicating that Barkley may want around $16 million per season, around what 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey makes and more than a reported $12 million annual deal he was offered by New York last fall.
… Barkley was offered around $12M/season during the bye week, per sources, and Schoen said they weren’t close in value. Barkley said yesterday he didn’t necessarily want to set the market, though I continue to hear he wants near Christian Mcaffrey’s $16M average. …
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) January 23, 2023
However, Barkley said Sunday he wasn’t interested in becoming the highest-paid running back in football with a new deal looming.
Saquon Barkley: “I’m not really too concerned with resetting the [RB] market. I’m realistic.”#Giants
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) January 22, 2023
It’s always possible the Giants place the franchise tag on Barkley, but that could be delaying the inevitable breakup between the two sides if a new deal can’t be brokered.
Where else could Barkley land this offseason if he does reach free agency?
Let’s look at five options, shall we?