Saquon Barkley confirm that he won’t play for the New York Giants in the 2023 NFL season? Recent tweets suggest he might skip the team’s upcoming campaign, with Barkley removing any reference to the Giants on his social media bios. Furthermore, a comment from his appearance on The Money Matters Podcast hinted at his leverage in contract negotiations.
Following the Giants’ failure to secure a long-term extension with Barkley, he now faces two options: sign the franchise tag worth $10.01 million or skip the 2023 season. This situation is reminiscent of Le’Veon Bell’s decision in 2018, where he held out and eventually signed a lucrative deal with the New York Jets.
Unfortunately, Barkley’s predicament reflects the devaluation of the running back market. Even last year’s leading rusher, Josh Jacobs, did not receive a long-term extension. Notable running backs like Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette, and Kareem Hunt are also still free agents.
Barkley’s significance to the Giants’ offense cannot be overstated. In the last season, he had a stellar performance with 1,312 rushing yards and ten touchdowns, accounting for 29 percent of the team’s offensive yards. His production was a key factor in the Giants reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Quarterback Daniel Jones, who showcased his mobility with 708 rushing yards, will face challenges in Barkley’s absence. Without a legitimate threat like Barkley, Jones’ opportunities in open space may be limited.
The Giants reportedly offered Barkley a three-year extension worth $11.5 million annually with guaranteed money up to $23 million. However, Barkley’s asking price was at least $13 million annually, given his outstanding performance last season.
Without Saquon Barkley, the Giants’ offense will face an uphill battle, especially in their division against formidable opponents like the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley’s potential departure could have significant ramifications for the team’s performance in the 2023 NFL season.
