The New York Giants announced on Wednesday that they have picked up the fifth-year option of superstar running back Saquon Barkley’s rookie deal.
The New York Giants have exercised the fifth-year option on running back Saquon Barkley.
Barkley, the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, who set numerous records while leading the team in rushing each of his first two seasons, suffered a torn right ACL and meniscus in Chicago on Sept. 20 and missed the remainder of the 2020 season.
According to ESPN, Barkley will be on the books for a fully guaranteed $7.217 million in 2022.
Barkley, who suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 regular season, is expected to be ready go at the start of the regular season this upcoming September.
When asked about exploring a possible extension with Barkley this offseason, Giants co-owner John Mara did not sound like he was in a big rush to begin talks with his injured star.
“I certainly think we’re not in any hurry to do that. We fully expect him to be as good as new,” Mara said. “I mean, if anybody is going to spend 100% of his efforts to rehab, it will be Saquon just knowing what type of motivation he has and desire he has. But we’re not in any hurry to do that at this point in time, particularly after the money we just spent. But listen, I said it at the end of the season and I’ll say it again, we hope he’s going to be a Giant for life and at the appropriate time we’ll start those discussions.”
At the bare minimum, Barkley will at least be under contract with the Giants for the next two seasons, before his rookie contract expires.
This season is a pivotal one for the star running back, who has been hampered by injuries in each of the last two years.
If Barkley can stay healthy, we should see a campaign close to his phenomenal rookie season in 2018, where he rushed for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns, while catching 91 passes for 721 yards and four scores.
A full season from Barkley likely means a huge season from Barkley, which would be great for the Giants as a team. However, it will without a doubt setup a big payday, despite the fifth-year option being exercised.
At the end of the day, this option will either be used as a placeholder for an extension, or a prove-it deal if Barkley can’t stay healthy in 2021. But regardless, Barkley now has at least two seasons to solidify himself as a Giant for life.