Saquon Barkley, Giants fail to reach agreement on long-term contract, per report
Saquon Barkley and the New York Giants did not reach an agreement on a long-term contract ahead of the NFL’s 4 pm ET deadline Monday.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The former Penn State rusher later tweeted “It is what it is” following the passing of the deadline.
RB Saquon Barkley and the Giants are not expected to reach agreement on a long-term extension before today’s 4 pm ET deadline for franchise players, per sources. pic.twitter.com/tamBrfnPJ1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2023
It is what it is
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) July 17, 2023
Essentially, this development means Barkley cannot be fined for not attending training camps since he is not under contract. He can now choose to play under the franchise tag of $10.1 million before dipping into free agency next offseason or simply hold out of practice potentially into the regular season.
But with the option of signing a long-term contract out the window, the Giants hold all the power in this situation.
Barkley was one of the top running backs in the NFL last season following a few down years due to injury. He rushed for 1,312 yards with 10 touchdowns and an average of 4.4 rushing yards per play.