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As the New York Giants prepare to kick off their training camp, they received uplifting news with star running back Saquon Barkley agreeing to a one-year contract, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
The Giants and Barkley had been engaged in negotiations for a long-term extension, but they were unable to reach a resolution before the NFL’s deadline of July 17 for franchise-tagged players to secure multi-year deals.
Now both parties found common ground on a short-term agreement for the 2023 season, granting Barkley an opportunity to prove his worth and potentially exceed the current franchise tag value for running backs.
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. pic.twitter.com/A5PR7RWLfQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2023
Under the existing CBA, running backs placed under the franchise tag were set to receive slightly over $10 million for the season. Nevertheless, reports indicate that Barkley and the Giants have settled on a one-year contract worth up to $11 million, including a $2 million signing bonus.
Barkley is among three prominent running backs, including Raiders Josh Jacobs and Cowboys Tony Pollard, who received the franchise tag from their respective teams but were unable to secure long-term deals.
This situation, combined with the evolving value of the running back position in the NFL, has sparked discussions in recent days. Several running backs, including Barkley, started a text chain over the past weekend to address the financial landscape of their position.
Jacobs reportedly took a flight out of Las Vegas on Monday, according to NFL Media, and it remains to be seen if he’ll end up taking the same route as Barkley.
While Barkley’s decision to agree to a one-year contract may be seen as a calculated risk to potentially enhance his value for future negotiations, the reactions of other running backs is uncertain.